Ringling House B&B wins Business of the Year

Ringling House Bed & Breakfast was named the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year on Thursday evening.

Some 260 people attended the Chamber’s annual meeting at Baraboo Arts Banquet Hall, during which the organization’s leaders reflected on the successes of 2025 and unveiled plans for the year to come.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony that saw Ringling House win top honors as Business of the Year. Owners Stuart Koehler and Julie Hearley have transformed a former Ringling home into a B&B while supporting multiple community causes.

“They give time, dedication and heart beyond measure,” outgoing Chamber Board President Shelley Mordini said.

“Our aim was, and still is, to charm our guests with history, hospitality and memories that they take home with them after visiting Baraboo,” Hearley said.

Baraboo Mystery Weekend won the Tourism Award. Operated by a volunteer committee headed by Jill Addy, this event – think of a live version of “Clue” – draws hundreds of people to downtown Baraboo each April.

“It really makes a great community event,” Addy said.

Twelve Salon and Barbering took home the Community Service Award for donating time and services to individuals and organizations in need.

The St. Clare Foundation was named Nonprofit of the Year. Celebrating 25 years of supporting the mission of SSM St. Clare Hospital, the Foundation played a key role in keeping the Baraboo Area’s taxi service in operation last year.

“We feel like it’s very important to partner with our local businesses and our local nonprofits,” Executive Director Julia Randles said. “We’re very fortunate to be able to do this work.”

The Rising Star Award went to Weichert Great Day Realtors, which is transforming a former downtown bank into a business incubator and event space.

Rhonda Siebecker of Civic Media and Purple Lotus Studio won the Ambassador of the Year Award for tirelessly recruiting new members and attending Chamber events.

Mordini handed the President’s Award to Kristi and Michele Feld, sisters-in-law and retired educators who run the Chamber’s front office. “They keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes,” Mordini said.

“We love all the things we can do to promote Baraboo and to help our local businesses,” Michele Feld said.