Recipients to be recognized at January 20 “Celebrate” Event
Fox Cities, Wis. (December 4, 2025) The Fox Cities Chamber has announced the recipients of its Lifetime Achievement Awards. These annual awards recognize individuals who embrace principled leadership, strategic thinking, balanced workplace values and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Each has a unique blend of vision, energy, perseverance and skill, demonstrating outstanding achievements in operating businesses as well as leadership in the community.
The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are:
- ATHENAâ Leadership Award – Sponsored by Bergstrom Automotive, this award is given to a woman who has achieved the highest level of professional excellence. This individual contributes time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the Fox Cities community and actively assists others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potential.
This year’s recipient is Dawn Ruchala – Senior Manager, Community Engagement, U.S. Venture. Ruchala is a purpose-driven leader whose work has transformed philanthropic collaboration across Northeast Wisconsin. With a background spanning U.S. Venture, Pierce Manufacturing, and Plexus, she brings strategic insight and a deep commitment to community impact. For the past 11 years, she has led the U.S. Venture Open, raising $44 million to help end poverty and supporting $50 million in grants through the Basic Needs Giving Partnership, now an independent nonprofit where she serves as Board Chair.
Ruchala’s lived experience growing up in poverty fuels her passion for service and her belief in the power of connection. She volunteers extensively across the region, from United Way to Habitat for Humanity to Big Brothers Big Sisters, and serves on multiple boards, committees, and advisory councils. Her leadership continues to inspire others, including the next generation of young volunteers she actively mobilizes.
- Gus A. Zuehlke Distinguished Service Award – This award, sponsored by Plexus, is named in honor of Gus A. Zuehlke, a past Chairman of the Board of the Fox Cities Chamber. In the spirit of Gus’ passion for serving his community, this award honors an individual who has made outstanding contributions through leadership in business and service during his/her years as a Chamber member.
This year’s recipient is Kim Underhill – Group President North America – Retired/ Senior Advisor/ Executive Coach, Kimberly Clark/Boston Consulting Group/The Next Chapter, LLC. Underhill built a global career over 33 years with Kimberly-Clark, beginning as an engineer and ultimately returning to Neenah to lead the company’s North American business. Throughout her international assignments, she continued to call the Fox Cities home, drawn to its sense of belonging, strong schools, quality healthcare, and remarkable philanthropy. Since retiring in 2021, Underhill has focused her energy on developing leaders across both corporate and nonprofit organizations, following her passion for uplifting others and strengthening local communities.
- Joyce Bytof Exceptional Mentor Award – This award, sponsored by Community First Credit Union, goes to an individual who is proactive in the advancement of others by sharing time, talent and business experience for the purposes of promoting growth and opportunity in the Fox Cities community.
This year’s recipient is Sharon Hulce – President/CEO, Employment Resource Group Inc. Hulce is a nationally recognized leader in executive search with 30 years of experience guiding companies toward exceptional leadership talent. Known for her intuition, psychological insight, and commitment to client success, she has earned numerous accolades including the Athena Leadership Award, Titan100 Hall of Fame, the Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year, and the Walt Rugland Community Service Award.
Hulce’s influence extends far beyond her professional work. She has served on 17 nonprofit boards throughout the region and leads numerous pro-bono searches for organizations that strengthen Northeast Wisconsin.
- Business Leader Hall of Fame – The Business Hall of Fame Award, sponsored by Thrivent, is presented to an individual or individuals who have demonstrated personal and business success and are role models for future generations.
This year’s recipient is Rich Batley – President/Owner, RB Hospitality. Batley’s nearly 60-year career in hospitality began in his family’s small Menasha grocery store, where he learned the power of dedication and exceptional service. After working his way up from dishwasher to chef, he joined Bergstrom Hotels and spent 21 years growing into Vice President of Hotel Operations, overseeing multiple properties and gaining the mentorship that shaped his business philosophy.
Following the sale of the hotels, Batley founded RB Hospitality and helped create several regional landmarks, including the CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel in Appleton and the award-winning Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort Hotel & Conference Center in Neenah. A lifelong Fox Cities resident, he has also served the community through the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau, United Way, the American Red Cross, the Sexual Assault Crisis Center, the EXPO committee, and numerous charitable project
- Legacy Award – The Legacy Award honors a distinguished member whose long-standing leadership has strengthened the Fox Cities region and the community we serve. This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals who invest in people, champion economic growth, and help create a thriving place to live, work, and do business. Their enduring commitment leaves a lasting impact on our community’s progress and inspires future generations to carry that legacy forward.
This year’s recipient is John F. Bergstrom – Executive Chairman, Bergstrom Automotive. Bergstrom has spent more than five decades shaping one of the nation’s most respected automotive groups. From beginning as a small bar and restaurant in Neenah, Bergstrom and his family built a 40-location automotive dealership network representing every major volume brand sold in America. His leadership has earned national recognition, including being named a Top 25 large-company CEO by Glassdoor, features in the Wall Street Journal, the Arthur Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” award, and honorary doctorates from both Lawrence University and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Bergstrom has also devoted more than 200 combined years to service on Fortune 500 and nonprofit boards, including Kimberly-Clark, Wisconsin Energy, Associated Bank, and the Green Bay Packers, becoming the longest-serving board member in Kimberly-Clark’s 150-year history. His community leadership has helped advance major regional projects such as the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, ThedaCare hospitals, the Trout Museum of Art, and the Boys & Girls Clubs.
These individuals will be honored for their achievements at Celebrate on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort Hotel, 1000 Cameron Way, Neenah. This is a can’t-miss event, where attendees will enjoy dinner, live music by saxophonist Michael Prusinsky, and an exciting auction, as the 2025 Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award winners are honored.
New this year, exclusive to event attendees only, is a Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon raffle worth $2,000! Only 100 tickets will be available at $100 each. This is an iconic and highly sought-after wheated bourbon, celebrated for its unmatched complexity, richness, and depth.
General admission is $200 for Fox Cities Chamber members and $250 for non-members. Tables of 10 are also available for $2,000/$2,500.
Celebrate is made possible through the generous support of the following: Presenting Sponsors – Miron Construction, Associated Bank, ThedaCare and Network Health; Gus Zuehlke Award Sponsor – Plexus; Business Leader Hall of Fame Sponsor – Thrivent; ATHENAÒ Leadership Award Sponsor – Bergstrom Automotive; Joyce Bytof Exceptional Mentor Award Sponsor – Community First Credit Union; and Entertainment Sponsor, BMO. Additional sponsorships are still available. For details, email Eric Broten at ebroten@foxcc.net.
For more information and to register, visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/JGY/.
