MBE CPAs named Business of the Year
The Chamber invited more than 250 of its best friends to celebrate its 75th – or was it 100th – birthday on Jan. 23 at Baraboo Arts Center.
Our Annual Meeting and Dinner doubled as a birthday bash, with several members walking away with some nifty party favors. Namely, award plaques and jewels.
MBE CPAs was named Business of the Year, as the Baraboo-born company has built a vast network of affiliates in this community and beyond. “This company is a great example of what it means to be a thriving local business that never forgets its roots,” Chamber Executive Director George Althoff said in presenting the award.
“There was no plan, when we just started with three people, trying to do the right thing every day,” owner Tim Moy said.
Al’s Fox Hill RV Resort & Campground won the Tourism Award. Undergoing constant improvements under owners Aaron and Haley Eickhorst, Fox Hill has become a visitor destination. “Their innovative events, such as themed weekends and holiday celebrations, have significantly boosted the business’ appeal, drawing families and tourists from across the world,” Sauk County Board Chairman Tim McCumber said in presenting the award.
Two members were honored for community work. First United Methodist Church won the Community Service Award for a robust program of charitable efforts, including a free store called Neighborly. “If you need something done, go talk to the Methodists,” Pastor Cathy Christman said.
The Sauk County Children’s Giving Tree, which makes sure needy kids receive not only Christmas gifts but school supplies, won the Nonprofit of the Year Award.
“We live and breathe this, usually from September until Christmas,” volunteer Bonnie Palm told the crowd.
“We get all kinds of help from the community. We couldn’t do it without you guys,” volunteer Deb Turner added.
Another member dedicated to public service, the Baraboo Hills ATV/UTV Club, took home the President’s Award from outgoing Chamber board president and avid UTVer Teddie Szydlowski. The club was lauded for its perseverance in lobbying the city of Baraboo to open its streets to off-road vehicle traffic.
“We have strived with our club, as a social club, to get the people the opportunity to share a sport, a social activity where we can get out and do things, enjoy things using a different, alternate means of transportation,” club president Bob Spencer said.
Two individuals won Chamber awards. Danna Klicko, founder and owner of The Frenchie Press coffee truck enterprise, was named this year’s Rising Star for being a consistent presence at community events and for adding a second truck. Yengkong “Kong” Thao of Ho-Chunk Gaming, a fixture at ribbon-cutting events, won Ambassador of the Year.
Before the awards program, attendees enjoyed food and drink provided by Las Milpas, Red 6 Catering, Al. Ringling Brewing, Tumbled Rock Brewery, Balanced Rock Winery, Draft City Taproom and Kingdom Coffee. They also enjoyed slices of not one but three birthday cakes from Festival Foods.
Althoff noted that while the organization first filed its incorporation papers with the state in 1950, research conducted by the Sauk County Historical Society indicated that a predecessor formed closer to a century ago. “We’re 100 and we didn’t even know it,” he quipped. “We don’t feel a day over 75.”
Adding to the festivities, the Chamber held a raffle to see who would walk away with three treasures from The Jewelers Edge.
Incoming board president Shelley Mordini said the Annual Dinner, like the Chamber itself, is about “supporting one another, being there for one another, lifting each other up. That’s what Baraboo has always been about to me.”
