Pewaukee Chamber: Announces person of the year, small, medium and large business of the year

Contact: Kathy Eckhardt, Executive Director

262-691-8851

Email: eckhardt@pewaukeechamber.org

For the 29th consecutive year, the Pewaukee Chamber of Commerce will recognize an individual who has demonstrated leadership in community or business activities in Pewaukee. This individual will be presented with the James J. Murphy Award at a special ceremony on January 27 at the Western Lakes Country Club.

James J. Murphy was an early President of the Chamber of Commerce. Very active in the community, he was responsible for starting the “Pewaukee River Run”, active in Kiwanis, and an active sailor. He was selected the first “Person of the Year” in 1981 for these contributions to the Pewaukee community. The award is now named after him. Other past recipients include Alfred Hansen, Donald Crouse, James Babe, Edward Keske, Donald Easterling, Dennis Brooks, Bill Brown, the Richard Opie Family, Russ & Vernell Bergles, Nancy Niedziela, Joseph Barrett, Carol Fay, John Laimon, George Strieter, Edward Baumann, Tom Millard, Michael Reiland, Elizabeth Williams, Bob Rohde, Charlie Shong, Olaf & Peter Harken, Officer Robert Kraemer, David Schill, Ann Wells, Michael Spoerke and Mary Schwister. Last year’s winner was Abby Lorenz.

In order to qualify for selection the nominee must be either a resident of Pewaukee or part of a current business or organization in the Pewaukee community. The nominee must have shown benefit for Pewaukee business and organizations with the giving of their “volunteer” time that is not related to their current job expectations or requirements. The nominee should have an outstanding reputation and image in the Pewaukee community, demonstrated leadership and problem solving ability, and community involvement in civic, social welfare, or civic enhancement.

Terry Jannsen was selected by the Chamber as Pewaukee’s 2009 Person of the Year.

Jannsen, A CPA, is financial advisor and president of Jannsen & Company, S.C. a tax and accounting firm., located in the City of Pewaukee and was nominated by his employees for providing an enjoyable work environment and his work with the Pewaukee and Waukesha Chambers.

On the nomination form, employees wrote, “We, the Jannsen & Company team members, are fortunate to have such a dedicated, progressive and enthusiastic leader to help guide our firm towards the future. For Terry, providing an enjoyable work environment while having fun every day is a fundamental part of an equation that makes Jannsen & Company the successful business it is today, more than thirty years after inception.”

Since Terry became President in 1998, Jannsen & Company, S.C. has grown exponentially. Terry believes that to be successful, his firm must offer the client something more. This something more has taken many shapes over the past few years. With Terry’s constant vision towards the future, our firm has been able to expand its traditional CPA service offerings to include information technology planning, wealth management, payroll processing and human resource consulting for both business and individual clients throughout our community. For areas we do not serve directly, Terry has realized the importance of forming strategic alliances with other area businesses which include legal services, group benefits, business insurance and residential mortgages. Jannsen & Company truly is a “one stop shop” ready and able to meet the growing needs of our individual and corporate clients while offering an innovative mix of fun, personality, and creativity.

Jannsen & Company currently has 28 team members working in five different client service areas and plans to add another five or six during the upcoming tax season. In four to five years, the firm could very likely have 40 to 45 employees according to Terry Jannsen.

Terry and Jannsen & Company, S.C. is proud to be a member and show support of the Pewaukee Chamber of Commerce as an annual sponsor of the Pewaukee Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing. Terry has served on various Committee and Board positions within the Waukesha County Chamber of Commerce and remains active in both Pewaukee and Waukesha Chamber events. With a strong desire to help entrepreneurs achieve their financial goals, Terry enjoys sharing his business knowledge with participants enrolled in financial management series courses at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and Whitewater campuses. Topics include The Basics of Financial Management, Using Financial Statements, Budgeting and Planning and Improving Cash Flow. “I like sharing some of my proven best practices and real world experiences to small business owners,” explains Jannsen. Many UWM Small Business students suggest enrolling in the program to help get their business up and running properly. “This is an excellent intro to a Company’s financial statements,” states one student. “Terry is a very good instructor. He tailors the class according to the level of the participants.”

Terry is involved in many community based activities. However, topping his list of organizational involvement are those where friends and family are concerned. Terry spends most of his rare but valuable free time watching his son and daughter participate in Pewaukee High School and Carroll College athletics and is Treasurer of the Pewaukee Basketball Club, Inc. Terry puts his whole heart into everything he does but an extra effort goes into his committee work for The Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation and support for the Neumeyer Benefit Trust and Paul Petersen Foundation. These last two groups were formed as a result of a losing battle against cancer that two close friends and clients of our firm. Terry’s outlook on life changed when these incredibly unique individuals lost their courageous bouts with cancer within just two years of each other.

Bank of Memories and Flowers, 346 Oakton Avenue in Pewaukee will receive the 2009 Small Business Award.

Bank of Memories and Flowers is a unique and chic flower shop specializing in fresh flowers and gifts. They are family owned and operated serving the Metro Milwaukee and Lake Country area. They deliver locally and worldwide. They are the only full service flower shop in Pewaukee committed to offering floral arrangements and gifts, backed by friendly and prompt service. The attention to detail displayed by Bank of Memories and Flowers designers has caused their wedding business to explode over the last couple years.

In the summer of 2009 Bank of Memories and Flowers – Pewaukee planted a unique eco-friendly garden. All the perennial plants that were planted, can be harvested and used in floral designs year after year. Bank of Memories and Flowers has seen the benefits of their rain barrel and found ways to use natural pesticides and eco-friendly fertilizers. Their “green” sanctuary attracts wildlife, preserves the environment and will support their flower shop for years to come.

Bank of Memories and Flowers values their customers and their professional staff is dedicated to making their experience a pleasant one. They try to always go the extra mile to make a customer’s floral gift perfect. They stay up to date on what is new in the floral industry. Subsequently, what they give the customer is something unique and tailored. Their design trends range from European to traditional classic elegance.

Each July Bank of Memories and Flowers selects an organization to make fresh arrangements for as part of Telaflora’s “Make Someone Smile Week.” Last year, they made approximately 500 smiley mugs with fresh flowers and plants. They delivered them to cancer patients in treatment centers and cancer survivors running in the Rely for Life. During the past year Bank of Memories and Flowers has made numerous donations to Pewaukee High School, Pewaukee Firefighters, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – Elmbrook Memorial Hospital, Oconomowoc Woman’s Club, Spring Fest, Merton Community Schools, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, JK fundraiser, WCTC Early Childhood Department Lab, Pewaukee Lake Sportsman’s Club and St. Joan of Arc Parish School.

Bubba’s Frozen Custard, 1276 Capitol Drive in Pewaukee will receive the 2009 Medium Business Award.

Bubba’s pride themselves in the freshness of their order which is only made after it is placed. Tim Brown, owner, was asked what makes his restaurant stand out from the rest and he explained, “We treat our employees right and in turn they treat our customers like we treat them. We are very flexible with employee schedules and their outside activities. We work with them. We let them have a voice, listen to their suggestions and input. We do that with customers as well.” Hence, our customers and employees keep coming back.

Bubba’s is very involved in community service. The Wishing Well at Bubba’s collects approximately $750 in coins each year from their guests. This amount is matched each year by Bubba’s (up to $1,000 per year) and donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation. In addition, as part of their yearly anniversary celebration, Bubba’s donates a portion of sales from selected days to Make-A-Wish.

In 2008 Bubba’s began an Annual 9/11 Fundraiser. Each year on September 11, Bubba’s donates 10% of all sales to the Pewaukee Firefighters Auxiliary. They are also proud to participate in the Pewaukee Firefighters Auxiliary Golf Outing and to support the Pewaukee Fire Department and National Fire Safety Council with cash contributions.

Since 2000, Bubba’s has been a proud sponsor for the Pewaukee Fireworks and 4th of July celebration. In 2009 Bubba’s also contributed to the Pewaukee Holiday Festival.

Bubba’s has continuously supported the Pewaukee Youth Baseball League since 2001 with team sponsorships each year. In 2009, Bubba’s hosted the First Annual Swap meet to support Pewaukee Youth Baseball where families were encouraged to bring in used equipment to swap/donate to other families. In addition, a portion of the day’s sales were donated to Pewaukee Youth Baseball.

For the last six years Bubba’s has been a proud contributor to the City of Pewaukee Police Department’s Gutter Busters Program. Bubba’s has also been proud to host fundraising nights for local schools and charities.

Following is a partial list of organizations Bubba’s has made a cash or in-kind contribution to in the last year: Pewaukee Basketball Club, PHS Booster Club, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, Waukesha Sheriff’s Dept. K-9 Unit, National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Wisconsin Chapter, Richmond School, St. John’s United Church of Christ, Christ our Savior Lutheran Church, St. Anthony on the Lake School, Country Christian School, St. Gabriel School, Woodside Home and School, Trinity Academy.

Country Springs Hotel and Water Park, 2810 Golf Road, will receive the 2009 Large Business Award.

Country Springs Hotel and Water Park. With 187 guest rooms including deluxe and suite floor plans is independently and locally owned by a small partnership group allowing flexibility and personal service since decisions are made locally. The addition of the 45,000 square foot Springs Water Park in 2005 elevated the hotel to a regional destination for groups such as families, sporting groups, school groups and reunions. The Country Springs Hotel also added 40,000 sq. feet of space for 20 meeting and banquet rooms. The property now serves the needs of the business community as well as the community at large for meetings, getaways, weddings and other special occasions. Hence, their slogan, “Play, Meet and Celebrate”.

The Country Springs Hotel also offers several well-known events throughout the year the local community looks forward to. The hotel hosts The World’s Greatest Cookie Sale the day after Thanksgiving each year, giving more than 30 local non-profit organizations a wonderful fundraising opportunity. The Hotel opens up their Grand Ballroom and Grand Salon to these groups to sell cookies and other home-made baked goods with all proceeds benefiting the individual non-profits would participate. The Streets of Bethlehem are on display from November through the beginning of January as part of their Country Christmas. Visitors are are amazed by the life-size Fontanini nativity display; an exact replica of the one found at the Vatican.

The hotel also sponsors teams for several area charity walks including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk and the Prohealth Care Riverwalk for Breast Cancer. They also donate money and gift certificates to a multitude of areas schools, charities and other non-profit organizations throughout the year.

Country Springs believes their exceptional sales, food and beverage and catering staff truly set them apart from other destinations in the area. They commonly hear from their clients that they continue to come back to the Country Springs Hotel because the food, facilities and service are simply unmatched. The level of repeat business they see at the hotel is their greatest compliment.

Recently, the Country Springs Hotel was host to a new convention for the area in which they received the following testimonial: “When you have a convention, there are so many things that can go wrong – some are the fault of the planner and some are the fault of the hotel. I was a little fearful one of the mornings of our conference thinking everything had gone perfect and that something had to go wrong. But that morning was like the other days – it went perfect! Your entire staff lived up to your promise that the food and service would be great, that the events would all be set up as discussed, that the staff would be helpful and friendly. It started like that and never ended – friendly, helpful, non-ending service. That kind of service was not only noticed by the WAMIC staff, but was also noticed by our attendees. When you do a convention, we always hope that everything will be excellent but realize that we will likely have to settle on good when it’s all done. But your staff delivered excellence every day, every way. Your hotel, staff, service and food received “excellent” ratings on the majority of our convention surveys. Some said it was the best convention in years. Some said it was the best that they had ever attended. You and your staff had a lot to do with that. I would highly recommend your facilities to anyone planning an event. Country Springs sets the bar very high. It will be challenge for others to match that. We will return!

Jim Tlusty

The Pewaukee Chamber’s Community Awards Ceremony will be held at Western Lakes Golf Club on Wednesday evening, January 27, 2009 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. To attend and honor the recipients, please visit http://www.pewaukeechamber.org or call 262-691-8851.