The Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce Recognition Banquet 2017 took place on May 6th at Crivello’s.
The selection for the “Ed Zahn Volunteer of the Year” Award was Janine Hornblad. Janine has been very active in the community as President of the Woman’s Club. In this role, she has helped coordinate “Deck the Fence” and Christmas gifts to Rainbow House. She is definitely a community volunteer and leader as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, an organizer of the Holy Trinity auction, a helper at the Blood Mobile and manna meals, a City election worker and she also serves on the Technology Committee for the City of Oconto. Gary Zahn, in memory of his father Ed Zahn, presented the award to Janine. Janine’s husband Jim and three sons and many members of their families were in attendance.
The selection for the “Business of the Year” was Stephenson National Bank & Trust, the Oconto branch.
Since opening its branch in 2002, the staff volunteers in many community events. Bob Schwartz, Loan Officer, is very active in the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Oconto Chamber “Grow Oconto” Committee and the Elks Club where he was named “Member of the Year for 2017. SNBT is dedicated to volunteerism and community leadership. Members of the staff also belong and participate in many civic organizations in the City of Oconto. SNBT distributes over $100,000 to non-profits yearly. Beth Larson, Branch manager accepted the award. Beth also is active in the community and Oconto Chamber where she functions as Vice-President and a member of the “Grow Oconto” Committee. Dan Peterson, President and CEO of SNBT commented on the outstanding job that the Oconto Branch does. Other members from the Oconto Branch who attended include Cathy Heimke CSR Supervisor; Denise Holtger, CSR; and Tina Hazen, CSR. Other employees of SNBT who were unable to attend include Patti Ernst and Sally Nischke.
This recognition takes place every other year. Past recipients of the volunteer award include: Gary Zahn, Jeremy Wusterbarth and Karl Ballestad. Past recipients of the business award include: Thompson’s County Market, Matravers Hardware, and Oconto Wagner Shell.
