West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner Celebrates Local Achievements
A Night of Recognition and Community Celebration
On Thursday night, the West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce (WBACC) held its highly anticipated annual awards dinner at the West Bend Insurance Company Prairie Center. The event gathered members of the community to spotlight eight businesses and individuals whose contributions have significantly enriched West Bend.
Michelle Hockers, WBACC Chairperson, opened the evening by emphasizing the importance of community collaboration. "Tonight we come together to celebrate businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to our community," she stated, thanking all attendees for their dedication to the chamber throughout the year.
Highlights from the Year: A Report of Growth and Connection
Before the awards ceremony kicked off, WBACC President and CEO Toni Gumina delivered the 2025 President’s Report, which focused on the chamber’s achievements from the past year. "As Michelle mentioned earlier, it has been a year full of growth, connection, and collaboration," Gumina expressed. This year, the WBACC welcomed 52 new members, further strengthening its community ties.
The organization also celebrated 22 professionals who graduated from its Leadership West Bend program, with another 23 participants starting in September. The chamber’s successful All Around the Bend Business Showcase, which attracted over 1,200 visitors and featured 110 vendors, was another highlight—demonstrating the chamber’s commitment to local businesses. Furthermore, Gumina announced a groundbreaking career exploration initiative in collaboration with the West Bend School District.
Spotlight on Resilience: Cache Bash in Adverse Conditions
Despite facing unprecedented challenges due to record flooding in August, the WBACC successfully held its 17th annual Cache Bash, drawing participants from 28 states and seven countries. This would not have been possible without the support and resilience of the local community.
Keynote Address: Emphasizing Collaborations in West Bend
Following Gumina’s report, West Bend City Administrator Jesse Thyes took the stage to address the importance of partnerships within the community. He highlighted how the collaboration between businesses, organizations, and individuals—many of which have been fostered by the chamber—makes West Bend a unique place to live and work. “It’s that culmination of everything that comes together that makes West Bend great,” Thyes remarked, underscoring the interconnectedness of various community sectors.
Awards to Honor Outstanding Contributions
The evening culminated in the presentation of several prestigious awards, each recognizing remarkable contributions within the West Bend community:
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President’s Award: Michelle Hockers (Attorney, Murphy & Prachthauser S.C.)
Hockers was recognized for successfully guiding two substantial initiatives during her time as board chair. She thanked her team, expressing, "These endeavors represent far more than my own efforts." -
Richard Klumb Ambassador of the Year: Barbara Justman (BJ & Company — Hair & Wig Salon)
Justman paid tribute to the late Richard Klumb, whose legacy the award honors. "It’s quite an honor to follow in Richard’s footsteps. He was a great man," she said, sharing a warm memory of him. -
Chamber Volunteer of the Year: Kirsten Coenen (Kohler Credit Union)
Coenen’s dedication to volunteering shone through her acceptance speech, thanking the community for allowing her to be a part of it. -
New Chamber Member of the Year: Forte Bank
Forte Bank’s President and CEO, Aaron Lensink, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome received during their inaugural year, emphasizing their commitment to community engagement. -
Non-Profit of the Year: St. Vincent de Paul Store
President Tom Schueller shared the organization’s significant impact, noting they provided $340,000 worth of assistance over the past year to those in need. -
Community Impact Award: Mike Jentsch (City of West Bend Parks, Recreation, & Forestry)
Jentsch emphasized that the community’s successes are a result of teamwork, showcasing the spirit of collaboration in West Bend. -
Legacy of Excellence Award: West Bend Insurance Company
Michelle Gonzales, representing the company, expressed pride in their community involvement and leadership. - Business of the Year: Serigraph Inc.
Ann Marie Lentz acknowledged the company’s long-standing commitment to the community and voiced their dedication to re-engagement efforts.
An Evening of Celebration
The WBACC annual awards dinner was a vibrant celebration of community spirit and achievement. Each speech and award highlighted the profound impact of local businesses and individuals on West Bend, showcasing the relationships that elevate the town’s spirit. It was an evening that reinforced the essential role of collaboration in fostering a thriving community.
