Winnebago Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards

Join us in congratulating our Winnebago Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Winners!

Business of the Year Award Winner: The Scoop

Read The Scoop’s bio

The Scoop is being recognized for their determination, innovation and perseverance in opening a new business during one of the most difficult times our country has faced. They didn’t let the pandemic stop them or darken their light one bit! They created ways to serve the community without actually “opening their doors” and did it in a safe and professional manner. They had every detail of their curbside pick up figured out and it was a huge success! The staff is ALWAYS friendly and welcoming. 
The Scoop has brought a ray of sunshine to downtown Winnebago!! 

Community Betterment Award Winner: Beth Cote

Read her bio

Beth is being recognized for stepping up to take the reigns of organizing mask making for our front line workers in the midst of the pandemic. She created a massive collaborative amongst sewers and provided THOUSANDS of masks and PPE to not only countless medical facilities, but our local pharmacy, grocery store and quite literally anyone serving their community in need of masks. Her efforts were Herculean and felt far and wide. What she accomplished was nothing short of outstanding and will forever be appreciated. Beth is an absolute treasure to this community. 

One to Watch Award Winner: Denise Speracino

Read her bio

Denise is being recognized as our community’s One to Watch for her commitment to our community. Whether through her financial work with the Winnebago Community Historical Society, scholarship work with the Friends of the Winnebago Public Library, and her fundraising and friend-raising work with the Chamber, Friends of the Library, or WCHS she is always out in the community advocating.

It’s truly an honor to be nominated! Check out our full list of 2020 award nominees below –

2020 Business of the Year Nominees
  • The Scoop
  • T-Top Shop II
  • Winnebago Animal Clinic
  • Winnebago Preschool
2020 Community Betterment Award Nominees
  • Beth Cote
  • Winnebago Police Department Sergeant Nick Haff
  • Tina Koonce (Winnebago Preschool Teacher)
  • Winnebago Community Historical Society
  • Jessie Zambrovitz – McNair
2020 One to Watch Award Nominees
  • Nancy Mertzenich – Nancy’s Diner
  • Denise Speracino

Award Categories

Business of the Year

This business has demonstrated growth in its employment, production, and/or operations and has a substantial history of success. It has a positive social and/or economic impact on the Winnebago Area. The recipient must have shown outstanding growth, significant achievements in innovation and superior community involvement through the commitment of time and resources.

2019: The POST Sports Bar & Grill
2018: Freedlund Family Chiropractic and Nutrition
2017: Sullivan’s Foods

Community Betterment Award

This business, organization or individual has contributed time, skills and resources to enhance the quality of life of the Winnebago Area Community.

2019: Stephanie King
2018: Culver’s of Winnebago

One to Watch

This award recognizes individuals who have started businesses, expanded operations or done exemplary work as part of an organization. These individuals strive toward the highest level of personal and professional accomplishment, and serve as role models for others in the business community.

2019: Erica Kielty & Cameron Metz
2018: Alejandra Kottke 

Photos from Previous Years