Two area businesses and a community organization were honored with awards at the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Monday at Max’s Club 95 in Hixton.
Wood Sales & Service was named 2016 Business of the Year, K-9 Country Lodge received the Customer Service of the Year Award and Karner Blue Garden Club received the Service Organization Award. The winners were chosen by the Chamber Ambassadors group and by Chamber board members after a review of the nominations.
“We had an outstanding selection of nominees,” said Chris Hardie, Chamber executive director. “It’s always a difficult job choosing, but each of the recipients are certainly deserving of the award.”
Wood Sales & Service was started in 1968 by Victor Wood in his garage on Hwy. C. Victor sold and serviced Stihl chainsaws. Brothers Harvey and Jeff Wood grew up around the business that was just outside their back door. In 1975 — having outgrown the garage — the business relocated to its present location at the corner of Hwy. 54 and Hwy. C. Harvey and Jeff have been involved with the operation of the business since 1981, along with Harvey’s wife Diane.
Other nominees for the business of the year were Al Muth Harley Davidson, Black River Memorial Hospital, Cell.Plus/US Cellular Agent, Krohn Clinic, Northern Family Farms and Pine View Care Center.
K-9 receives this award for service that goes above and beyond for our four-legged friends. “It’s nice when you leave your pet and don’t have to worry one bit and can enjoy getting away,” one nomination said. “All the staff is courteous and I never doubt each and every one of their love for animals. I know my pet loves it there as well as he will run right through the door when we arrive and doesn’t even hesitate.”
Other nominees for Customer Service of the Year Award were Cell.Plus/US Cellular Agent, Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls, JC Financial Partners, Kwik Trip and Scholze Ace Home Center.
The Karner Blue Garden Club was formed in 1995 with a strong desire to enhance the beauty of the Black River Falls area. Today the club – which has more than 40 members – contributes hundreds of hours each year to maintain some 50 flower beds and dozens of hanging baskets placed throughout the city. The club creates a display at the foot of Main and Water that changes seasonally.
Other nominees for the 2016 Service Organization Award are American Red Cross, Greater Black River Area Safety Council, Jackson in Action and the Republican Party of Jackson County.
Story from Jackson County Chronicle