Making A Difference Awards Announced

The Making A Difference Awards recipients have been chosen and announced. The annual awards which are sponsored by Richland Rejuvenates and WRCO Radio/Civic Media, will be presented at the annual banquet held Sunday, January 26, at the Phoenix Center Banquet Hall in Richland Center.

This awards program was started to honor those who have truly made a difference in our daily lives. It is meant to be a time when the community and county can stop and say thank you and recognize those efforts. The awards that will be presented are:

Employee of the Year, meant for an outstanding community employee employed by any company in the community, that has made a large impact on the organization. This year’s award goes to Fred Dillon from Kwik Trip Downtown.

Business of the Year is a business that has made a deep impact on the community through its work, its employee impact, its volunteerism, or its leadership to create growth and a true sense of community. This year’s award goes to Chet’s Feed Seed n Such.

The Outstanding Organization Award is for an organization, formal or informal, that has made a deep impact on the community through its work, its vision, its volunteerism, or its leadership to create a caring, compassionate community. The Symons Recreation Complex will be

honored with this award this year.

Civic Leadership Award goes to an employee of the city, county, state or other governmental agency who goes above and beyond the call of duty to enhance Richland County. Sandy Campbell from the UW-Extension Office will be honored this year.

There are many nonprofit organizations that make our county a better place to live and deserve recognition, but this year’s recipient is The Union

The Best Face Forward Award recognizes a business or commercial property owner who has improved the appearance of a building or property in the community. This year the award is going to Mueller Auto Body

The Community Stewardship Award is for an individual or couple who has made a difference

in our community, providing inspiration and vision, by touching the lives of Richland County residents. This year’s recipient is Jerry Bower.

The Emergency Responder Award will give special recognition to the individuals who risk their lives to save others. This year’s law Enforcement Officer of the year goes to Kevin Melby and the EMT of the year to Robin Pierson

The Educator of the Year goes to Jamie Jones from the Richland School District.

Medical Hero Award or Health Care Professional of the Year, goes to anyone working in the medical field which could include, doctors, nurses, CNA’s or anyone involved in serving in the medical arena in anyway. Including those behind the scenes to make us a healthier community. Dr. Robert Smith was chosen to receive the award this year.

The Up and Coming Youth Award is meant to recognize someone 18 or under who is making a difference in the community or school. The recipient should be someone who puts others before themselves demonstrated by the example of their efforts. This year’s award is going to Ben Huebsch from Ithaca High School.

You are invited to join these recipients on Sunday evening, January 26, at The Phoenix Center. Social time begins at 5:30 with dinner being served at 6:30, followed by the awards ceremony. Tickets are priced at $20 and includes dinner, dessert, and drink. Tickets can be purchased at Napa Auto Parts, Ameriprise Offices, Christy’s Sunnyside or by calling 608-604-7022.