Select Page

Envision Greater Fond du Lac honored at the Marian University 43rd annual Business and Industry Awards Dinner

Envision Greater Fond du Lac was honored at Marian University’s 43rd annual Business and Industry Awards Dinner on October 23, 2024 with the Community Collaboration Award.

The Community Collaboration Award is given to companies, organizations, or individuals that have collaborated in some manner to positively impact the greater Fond du Lac community. Envision was recognized for their work with the Waupun Business Alliance.

“We are truly honored to receive the Community Collaboration Award and to be recognized for our work with the Waupun Business Alliance,” Sadie Howell, President/CEO of Envision Greater Fond du Lac, said. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible impact that collaboration can achieve. By working closely with the Waupun business community and its leaders, we’re building a stronger foundation for economic growth and creating opportunities that benefit the entire region. Together, we’re shaping a vibrant, inclusive future for Waupun and beyond.”

In June 2022, Envision Greater Fond du Lac and the Waupun Area Chamber of commerce partnered to strengthen the relationship between stakeholders to improve the economic vibrancy and community identity of the area. That move sought to cultivate stronger relationships with businesses, the city, adjacent organizations, and residents.

In November 2022, Envision Greater Fond du Lac announced the creation of the Waupun Business Alliance, an extension of Envision Greater Fond du Lac. This newly created branch of Envision (the regional chamber of commerce and economic development organization) now functions as the new iteration of the Waupun Area Chamber of Commerce, which made the decision to transition under Envision Greater Fond du Lac to better serve its member businesses and the greater community.

In December 2022, an official ribbon cutting occurred at the new location of the Waupun Business Alliance (10 W. Main Street in Waupun). The formation of the Waupun Business Alliance was a progressive move that further demonstrated that Waupun is a community on the rise, as well as the real desire from community leaders to work together to maximize impact.

“Most communities meet change with defensiveness and fear”,” Joe Venhuizen, Vice President of Membership and Resource Development, said. “The Waupun community deserves a lot of credit for embracing this change with cooperation and trust. That spirit is showing positive outcomes all over Waupun right now. It’s exciting to be part of.”

The Business and Industry Awards Dinner also recognized the following award winners:

  • Spirit of Hospitality Award: Ziegler Winery
  • Economic Development Award: Roberts Homes and Real Estate
  • Entrepreneur of the Year: Salchert Meats
  • Special Achievement Award: Fond du Lac Morning and Noon Rotary
  • Business of the Year: Drexel Building
  • George Becker Business Spirit Award: Ron & Terri Emanuel

Three people with an award

Joe Venhuizen, Vice President of Membership and Resource Development, Envision Greater Fond du Lac, along with members of the Waupun Business Alliance, Kathy Schlieve and Craig Much.