Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce hosts 78th Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce welcomed its members to The Ridges Golf Course & Banquet Facility for its 78th Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on Feb. 26 to celebrate this year’s seven award winners that included Small Business/Entrepreneur of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Innovative Business of the Year, Community Impact of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, Business Professional of the Year and Member of the Year.
This year’s award categories and winners are as follows:

Small Business/Entrepreneur of the Year: El Café
This award honors a business that has demonstrated exceptional economic growth, a strong commitment to community service and leadership and a spirit of innovation while operating with 10 or fewer employees. In just three years, owner Fidel Perez has built more than a restaurant — he has created a cornerstone gathering place for Port Edwards and the surrounding communities. Known for authentic, made-from-scratch meals served with pride and passion, El Café has earned recognition as one of the Top 10 Fish Frys in the area, a Top 3 restaurant on Google in the region and Port Edwards School District’s Business Partner of the Month. What truly sets El Café apart, however, is Fidel’s heart for giving back. From offering daily discounts to veterans, to opening the café outside normal hours during community events, hosting weekly reading hours, supporting schools, fundraising efforts and local causes, Fidel consistently goes above and beyond to uplift others. El Café is not just a place to eat — it is a place where people feel like family.

Large Business of the Year: U.S. Bank

This award honors a business that exemplifies exceptional customer service, strong community leadership and a commitment to innovation and growth, while employing more than 10 individuals. U.S. Bank - Wisconsin Rapids branch is currently ranked #1 in the state of Wisconsin, which speaks volumes about the outstanding leadership of Branch Manager Jill Finup and the dedicated team she leads every day. What makes U.S. Bank stand out is the people. The staff are known for their welcoming attitude, professionalism and constant support of the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce. Whether they’re helping customers at the branch or participating in local events, they bring energy, kindness and a true commitment to the community. U.S. Bank continued investing in Wisconsin Rapids by remodeling and expanding their 8th Street branch to support growth and ensure a strong future here. Their team is consistently involved in Chamber programs and even Jill herself volunteers as a Chamber Ambassador. U.S. Bank’s continued investment, generosity, and heartfelt involvement make them an outstanding example of what a large business can mean to a community.

Innovative Business of the Year: The Ridges Golf Course & Banquet Facility
This award recognizes a business that promotes a culture of innovation through research and development, new processes, cutting-edge products or services and the ability to adapt to an ever-evolving marketplace. While many see The Ridges as a traditional golf course, Todd and Michele have transformed it into something much more — a year-round hub for recreation, entertainment and community connection. In 2022, the “Hole-In-One Challenge” was introduced, making The Ridges one of the first courses in Wisconsin to install close-circuit cameras on a par three to add excitement for golfers. In 2023, their new Bunker Bar and outdoor patio was completed for people to gather and relax. In 2024, perhaps the biggest innovation was the installation of stadium lighting on three golf holes. The Ridges is the only course in the state to offer this feature, which has attracted golfers from across the country. In 2025, The Ridges brought fresh new energy to the area with the introduction of Night Golf, giving guests a unique and exciting way to experience the course after hours. Todd and Michele after 30 years of operation also welcomed their son Max into ownership. Max has brought a fresh perspective to The Ridges, leading to several major innovations in recent years. But what truly sets The Ridges apart is their ability to keep innovating beyond the golf season. They’ve recently partnered with the Wisconsin Rapids Lions Club to create the widely successful “Tuesday Night Cash Bingo” which has turned what used to be a quiet winter weekday into one of the community’s most popular events, regularly drawing crowds of more than 200 people. It’s a perfect example of how fresh ideas and a willingness to try something new can create incredible momentum. Even more inspiring is how The Ridges uses this night to give back to a local non-profit or family in need. In this short amount of time, they have already raised over $25,000.

Community Impact of the Year: ODC (Opportunity Development Center, Inc.)
This award honors a non-profit, service or public organization that has made a lasting difference in the lives of those they serve, and that has evolved to meet the changing needs of our community. For 60 years, ODC has been a steady and trusted resource in our region, helping individuals with disabilities achieve their work and life goals. Headquartered in Wisconsin Rapids with six additional office locations, ODC served more than 1,500 individuals across 20 counties in 2025 alone — a remarkable reflection of both their reach and their commitment to meeting people where they are.

ODC’s impact is felt not only through their dedication to inclusive employment, but also through their ability to respond to the evolving needs of our community. They maintain partnerships with nearly 600 employers across Central Wisconsin and helped more than 250 individuals secure employment last year, contributing over $2 million in wages back into the local economy. One of the most meaningful recent expansions of ODC’s mission is the creation of Opportunity for Hope, their outpatient mental health clinic. In 2025, the clinic provided more than 4,000 visits to individuals of all ages, strengthening access to vital mental health services right here in our community. ODC also launched a co-responder crisis response program in partnership with local law enforcement, demonstrating their proactive and collaborative approach to community well-being. ODC continues to lead with heart, vision, and purpose.

Ambassador of the Year: Carrie Ruffner; Mariani Packing Co.
This award honors an individual whose dedication, enthusiasm, and leadership has made a lasting impact — not only on the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, but on the entire community. Although Carrie has not been an Ambassador for a long time, the impact she has made in a short period is impossible to miss. From the moment she stepped into the role, she brought energy, reliability and a strong commitment to helping the Chamber succeed. Carrie has gone above and beyond to strengthen internal operations, improve organization and elevate the Ambassador Program as a whole — often stepping in behind the scenes to take on responsibilities and ensure others are properly recognized and celebrated. Carrie is a constant advocate for the Chamber, through her willingness to jump in wherever she’s needed. Her dedication and leadership did not go unnoticed, and she was elected Vice Chair by her fellow Ambassadors — a reflection of the respect and trust she has earned among her peers. She has embraced this role with grace, enthusiasm and professionalism. In addition to her work as Vice Chair, Carrie generously contributes her time to support Chamber committees and initiatives, always promoting events and encouraging others to get involved — even outside of work. As a valued member of the team at Mariani Packing Co., she represents both her employer and the Chamber with pride.
Whether working behind the scenes or serving as a visible presence in the community, Carrie Ruffner truly embodies what it means to be an Ambassador. Her passion, service and belief in the Chamber’s mission have made a lasting impact.

Business Professional of the Year: Janine Malcolm; Mary Kay Cosmetics

This award recognizes an exceptional individual whose professionalism, leadership and dedication to community service has left a lasting impact. Janine combines professional excellence, genuine care and community leadership in everything she does as a Mary Kay Consultant. Janine’s work is about so much more than skincare and cosmetics — it’s about helping people feel confident, seen and supported. She takes the time to truly listen and provide personalized guidance for each client, including those with sensitive skin or unique needs, and she makes sure every person she serves feels respected and valued. Her kindness and attention to detail are what set her apart, and it’s clear she leads her business with heart. Janine is also a strong advocate for our local business community. As a longtime member and active volunteer with the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, she consistently shows up to support others, promote Chamber initiatives, and encourages connection and growth across the region. She represents the Chamber in such a positive way, and her dedication never goes unnoticed.
One of the most meaningful examples of Janine’s compassion is her annual Cancer Care Bags initiative. Each year, she coordinates the creation of thoughtful care packages for individuals undergoing cancer treatment — made possible through the generosity of local businesses and community sponsors — and provides them at no cost to recipients. These bags bring comfort, encouragement and a reminder that our community is standing with them during an incredibly difficult time. Through her professionalism, generosity and commitment to uplifting others, Janine Malcolm has made a lasting impact on both her clients and our community.

Member of the Year: ERCO Worldwide
This award is reserved for a business that exemplifies the true spirit of dedication, engagement and support for the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce. ERCO Worldwide has been a steady and trusted supporter of the Chamber, consistently showing what it means to be an engaged and dedicated member. Over the past year, ERCO has been one of the Chamber’s strongest champions, contributing annually in sponsorship support and helping elevate the success and impact of countless Chamber programs and events; but what makes ERCO stand out even more is that their support goes far beyond financial contributions. Their team is deeply involved in Chamber initiatives, and their leadership is felt throughout the organization. ERCO maintains an active presence through board involvement and consistent participation, reflecting a genuine desire to help strengthen our region. ERCO Worldwide is also a forward-thinking leader in our community, demonstrated through a major $10 million capital investment completed in 2025 — the construction of a state-of-the-art onsite rail yard designed to hold more than 500 railcars. This project not only improved operational efficiency, but also reduced off-site storage needs, minimized rail crossings that previously impacted Highway 73 and incorporated sustainable features such as solar-powered lighting. Through decades of partnership, outstanding leadership and a continued commitment to innovation and community progress, ERCO Worldwide exemplifies the very best of Chamber membership.
The Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce extends heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees. These remarkable individuals, businesses, and organizations exemplify the spirit of our community; embodying dedication, innovation and service.

We express our deepest gratitude to all Members of the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce for their continued support and participation. Together, we strive to build a vibrant and thriving community.
For more information about the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce and its initiatives, please visit www.wisconsinrapidschamber.com.