2018 Award Winners

FUTURE NEENAH RECOGNIZES PARTNERSHIPS OF THE YEAR

Future Neenah celebrates the outstanding partnerships that helped us achieve community success in 2018.

Neenah, WI January 21, 2019— Future Neenah recognized the following individuals and businesses that, through partnerships, made serving as Neenah’s quality of life organization a success in 2018. These honorees have hearts for community service and a love of Neenah Area.

Corporate Citizen of the Year Award: Nicolet National Bank
Nicolet National Bank was recognized for extraordinary contributions by a business to the overall quality of life enjoyed in our community. This award acknowledges both civic leadership and sponsorship.

It’s been less than two years since Nicolet National Bank arrived on the scene in Neenah and they have made it clear they are here to invest in our community. Future Neenah is grateful for their 2018 participation as a community leader sponsor of the new Manhole Cover Madness event, sponsorship of an evening concert, popular fall Network Neenah event and the ice sculpture garden at A Very Neenah Christmas. Nikki Hessel, Executive Director of Future Neenah said, “Their continuing commitment to community improvement and willingness to take a leap alongside us with fresh ideas is inspiring.”

Friend of Neenah Award: Peter Kuenzi, Zuppas Market Café and Catering

Peter Kuenzi of Zuppas was recognized for his outstanding, positive influence in the community. Peter has been a consistent champion of our Farm to Table dinner event. When the community comes together for fine food prepared by our best chefs using the freshest farm market ingredients, it’s a win for everyone. Peter brings community to the table with his delicious food. Hessel added, “Peter gives generously of his time and talent in our community, we are so lucky he is here!”

Volunteer of the Year Award: Andy Gaerthofner
Volunteers are the unsung heroes and the unpaid staff of the nonprofit organization. The volunteer of the year gives significantly and unselfishly of their time to the organization, this is especially true of Andy.

2018 was a big year for Andy. He stepped up to serve as the accountant on Future Neenah’s executive committee and his dedication to the new community event was unwavering. He attended committee meetings, hauled supplies with his trucks, was onsite from dawn to dusk doing site set up and clean up and even did the ninja course himself. Hessel said, “Andy was the ultimate elf for a Very Neenah Christmas, showing up for heavy lifting and cleaning at the end of the night when everyone else had gone home. He was our Christmas miracle.”

Downtown Business of the Year Award: Bill Paul Ltd.
Bill Paul Limited was recognized for embracing the Downtown brand of “Downtown Neenah Unequaled.”

Bill Paul has been a Downtown Neenah destination for 41 years. They make Neenah look good both literally and figuratively and participate in every Downtown Neenah event and activity. Hessel added, “They are always one of the first in line with their hand raised for all Downtown Neenah events and so much more.”

Connecting Communities Award: Pheifer Brothers Construction
Future Neenah recognized Pheifer Brothers Construction as an organization that exemplifies partnership with the community, a group with which Future Neenah has been able to unite forces to enrich the quality of life in the Neenah community.

This Neenah based construction company was the largest donor of time, talent and services to the Loop the Little Lake project. They literally bridged the gap connecting communities and creating a destination for many to enjoy. Hessel said, “The Loop the Little Lake project was a success because of the incredible generosity of partners like Pheifer Brothers Construction. It was a community effort, and they were an integral part of that team.”

Neenah With Pride Award: Neenah Foundry
Future Neenah recognized Neenah Foundry as an organization that exemplifies the Neenah With Pride spirit.

The Foundry is a big part of our community’s rich history and the partnership we were able to forge with them for the new Manhole Cover Madness event was impressive. Not only did the Foundry stamp thousands of manhole t-shirts at Bike to Boogie, Bazaar After Dark and Manhole Cover Madness; they also cast the award medals for the Ninja Warriors. They hosted their company picnic at one of our evening concerts, filling Shattuck Park with guests to enjoy a Beatles tribute band. Their marketing guru, Brooke Sanchez was a tireless advocate for both the Foundry and Future Neenah. Hessel added, “Brooke and the team at Neenah Foundry are part of the unique fabric that makes Neenah the place we all love, and they continue to give generously of their time and services to support the community around them.”

Awards were presented by Future Neenah Board and Staff Members. Photos by Adam Shea Photography.

Future Neenah, Inc. is a community driven non-profit organization
dedicated to promoting the economic and cultural vitality of Neenah Area.
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