Description

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the prestigious Excellence in Business Leadership Awards Night, held at the Grand Theater. This event celebrates the visionary leaders and innovative pioneers who have significantly contributed to the prosperity and vitality of the greater Wausau region.

Registration closes on September 25th - get your ticket today!
Suggested Dress Code: Business Casual

Sponsorship Opportunities

Present your brand prominently by choosing from a range of sponsorship options designed to enhance your visibility and association with excellence. From exclusive video messages to prime advertising placements, align your business with the region's most prestigious business awards event.

For more information, you can view all available sponsorship options here or contact Kaycee Packard at kpackard@wausauchamber.com.

ATHENA Award presented by O'Malley Cadillac Honda
Celebrating excellence in leadership, the ATHENA Leadership Award honors women who demonstrate the highest levels of professional achievement, community service, and leadership. The ATHENA Leadership Award recognizes professionals of any age who have made meaningful and exemplary contributions to their communities, mentoring and paving the way for the success of others. This year's recipient will be named live during the program!

Top 5 Finalists: 

Sherri Waid is the President of Northern Valley Industries, a nonprofit Employment Social Enterprise in Wausau, partnering with area businesses that provide subcontract work to reinforce the talent of people breaking through barriers to work. She leads with a commitment to blending business and social service excellence, creating jobs, beyond work supports, and economic mobility for overlooked talent. Her vision has expanded opportunities that empower people, strengthen the workforce, and promote belonging — championing the dignity of work as a pathway to personal and community transformation.

Claire Meney is the Chief Operating Officer at Connexus Credit Union, a $4 billion member-owned cooperative where she leads strategic initiatives that elevate operational excellence and drive meaningful impact across the organization. A Wausau native with a deep-rooted commitment to cultivating a thriving community, Claire has been instrumental in shaping Connexus Cares - the philanthropic arm of Connexus - which has supported over 300 organizations through more than 14,000 volunteer hours and $12.5 million in donations. She has served on several boards and committees, including Children’s Miracle Network, Newman Catholic Schools, and the City of Wausau. Claire is also a trusted advisor in the fintech and payments industries and a passionate advocate for advancing women in financial leadership.

With more than a decade of diverse experience in accounting, finance, procurement, and information systems, Laura Strek is the President of Imperial Industries. She began her career as an auditor with Wipfli LLP before moving into manufacturing leadership, becoming a CFO in her late 20s, and later advancing to President. Laura is recognized for driving cultural and process transformation, leading strategic initiatives across finance, HR, IT, and operations. She is passionate about mentoring future leaders—especially women—while fostering growth, collaboration, and excellence across her entire team.

Stephanie Daniels is a dedicated community leader and advocate for youth development, accessible childcare, and food security. As Director at the Woodson YMCA, she has expanded childcare capacity, grown the Youth and Family Department, and secured vital grant funding for mental health services and childcare subsidy programs, while also advocating at the state level with legislators and senators to stress the importance of childcare in communities. As Chair of the Marathon County Hunger Coalition since 2023, she has led efforts to expand access to fresh, local produce—doubling the Farm to Family Program in the past year to provide nearly 200 boxes of fresh produce each week—while also launching the Mobile Market, creating the Great Carrot Harvest, and expanding the Egg Project, all while achieving record participation in the annual Turkey Trot. In addition, she serves on the DC Everest Education Foundation Board, supporting programs that enrich students’ educational experiences.

Tammy Szekeress is the Development Specialist at REI Engineering. Her professional background includes leadership roles at several local organizations, including Leadership Director at the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce, Manager of Annual Giving at Aspirus Health Foundation, and Director of Operations at the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin. Her past leadership positions include serving as Secretary of the Wausau Country Club Board of Directors; President and Board Member of the Wausau Early Birds Rotary Club; Member of the United Way Women in Action Leadership Council; Secretary of the Mount Olive Mission and Ministry Council; and Board member of both the UW Wausau Campus Foundation and the Wausau Homes Scout Center. Tammy was recently invited to join both the Clyde Schlueter Foundation Advisory Committee and the NTC Foundation Board of Directors. In addition, she has served as the Vice President, Fundraising Chair, and Co-Founder of Children’s Imaginarium – A Museum for Kids. Tammy is deeply committed to giving back and volunteers her time when possible. Her involvement has included volunteering for organizations such as Junior Achievement, the Children’s Imaginarium, Wausau Early Birds Rotary Club, and Mount Olive Lutheran Church. She has been married to her husband, Rob, for 26 years and together, they have two young adult daughters, Megan and Ella. She enjoys spending time with her family, golfing, hiking, traveling, and being outdoors to enjoy the seasons.

G. Lane Ware Innovator Award presented by Ruder Ware
A distinguished attorney, G. Lane Ware was the consummate professional with a sincere drive to make the Wausau region a better place for life and for business. He was tireless in his support of entrepreneurship and innovation. Often heard saying, ‘If you’re not growing, you’re dying on the vine,’ he realized the critical nature of innovation in business. While Lane worked with businesses of all sizes, it was the entrepreneurs and small businesses that inspired and excited him the most. 

2025 Recipient: Ryan Gallagher

James J. McIntyre Cornerstone Award
For several decades, Jim McIntyre was an impactful leader who worked tirelessly to advance the competitiveness of the Wausau region. Both a strong advocate for business and a champion for advancing the community as a whole, this award honors an individual who has made significant contributions to the advancement of both the business community and the public good. 

2025 Recipient: Dr. Kristine Gilmore

Liz Tillisch Heart of the Chamber Award 
Liz Tillisch has served as an ambassador for the Chamber for decades. This award honors a dedicated member who exemplifies servant leadership through their exceptional volunteerism to the Chamber. Since 1912, volunteers have been core to the organization, supporting efforts in areas like the Board of Directors, ambassadors, event committees, and signature events. This award recognizes a member who generously offers their time, talent, and passion to further the mission of the Chamber and strengthen the local business community.

2025 Recipient: Paul LaPree

And honoring our Small Business & Non-Profit of the Year Award Recipients
We will be celebrating the achievements of our local enterprises during the event by honoring the recipients of the Small Business of the Year and Non-Profit of the Year awards. These awards, chosen at our annual Business EXPO, recognize outstanding contributions and achievements within our business community and non-profit sector, highlighting their commitment to excellence and community service.

2025 Small Business of the Year Recipient: In The Lite

2025 Non-Profit of the Year Recipient: Habitat for Humanity

This program/event is being hosted by the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) and is intended to provide information, education, and/or entertainment to individuals and businesses.  The content presented does not necessarily represent the position of the GWCC Board of Directors, staff, sponsors, member investors, and/or the membership as a whole.

Media Release:  The Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to use any audio and/or video recorded during this event without the expressed written permission of those included within the audio or video. The Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce may use the audio or video in publications or other marketing materials produced, used or contracted by the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce.

Refund Policy: By purchasing a ticket, you are agreeing to the GWCC Refund Policy. You can review the policy in detail here.