Waukesha County chamber changes leaders
The 91st annual meeting of the Waukesha County Chamber of Commerce was a day of mixed emotions for Chamber President Patti Wallner. On one hand, she received the Don Richards Leadership Award, which was created in 1993 to honor businesspeople who take community leadership roles. See photos from this event.
On the other hand, she was retiring as chamber president. Many words of praise were spoken regarding her contributions to the community.
Suzanne Kelley, who was born and raised in Brookfield and now lives in Hartland, was introduced as her successor. She will leave GE after 24 years with that company.
Outgoing Chairman of the Waukesha County Chamber Board of Directors Clare O'Sheel of ProHealth Care passed the gavel to new Chairman Fred Stier of Stier Construction. Other members of the new Executive Committee include Michael Gryczka of InvestorsBank, Brian Nemoir of Full Impact Communications, Emily Hepburn of Waukesha State Bank and James Walden Jr. of Walden, Schuster & Vaklyes.
The luncheon had a baseball theme, "Grand Slam," and in keeping with that, the keynote speaker was Rick Schlesinger, executive vice president of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Some of the past winners of the Don Richards award include Leon Janssen, Rick Marlow, Anne and Bryce Styza, Ford Titus, Lynn Revoy, Joanne and Bill Huelsman, Dick Richards, Don Fundingsland, Marty Frank, Al Link, Peter Lettenberger, Andrea and Anthony Bryant, Ken Riesch and Terry Janssen.
Lorayne Ritt covers Waukesha County's nonprofits. Contact her at (262) 542-6797.
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