Monona Chamber and Economic Development holds first annual dinner
MCED Executive Director Rogeta Halvorson (right) recognized Hay Days organizer Teresa Graham with the first Community Service Award.
Monona Chamber and Economic Development, Inc. (MCED) Board President Linda Knockel welcomed attendees to the first annual dinner and awards celebration Oct. 15.
MFL MarMac Superintendent Dr. Dale Crozier was one of three featured speakers at the MCED event.
Candace Drahn spoke about M's Machine and how MCED helps the company.
Nate Trappe, with Allen Roofing and Construction, was one of seven businesses honored for milestone anniversaries. Allen Roofing celebrates 20 years.
Todd Balekos accepted a plaque honoring Quillin's for its 70th anniversary.
Monona Chamber and Economic Development, Inc. (MCED), held its first annual dinner and celebration Oct. 15, at MJ’s Bar and Grill.
“We’re here to celebrate the chamber and economic development. It’s also an anniversary party, “ shared MCED Board President Linda Knockel, who noted that MCED is marking its 10th anniversary of serving the Monona community this year. 2019 is also Rogeta Halvorson’s fifth year as MCED’s executive director.
MCED, said Knockel, is “here to promote and help businesses grow.” Events like this allow business owners and employees to connect with one another and celebrate their own successes.
“We’re all in business, and we’re all busy,” she said, “but it’s good to get together and see what’s going on.”
MCED’s mission is to “lead the economic growth and vitality of the community of Monona, and to support the civic, social and natural resources of the surrounding area.” Long-term objectives include revitalizing the downtown, enriching business and population growth, attracting new businesses and industries to the Monona area, promoting travel and tourism and increasing membership and participation in Monona.
Aiding in those efforts are the MCED board members: Knockel representing CVG, Justin Birdnow with Birdnow Chevrolet of Monona, Isaac Brehmer with FreedomBank and Freedom Agency, Andy Dettbarn with Casey’s General Store, Chanice Larson with Veterans Memorial Hospital, Trent Miene with MFL MarMac Community School District, Jessica Wilke with Family Dentistry Associates of Monona, Ali Werger with Exit Realty Premier Properties and Linda Landt with CVG and M’s Machines & Mfg. Co. Knockel also recognized the city’s support, as well as MCED’s partnership with the Clayton County Development Group and its executive director, Darla Kelchen.
“I think we’re doing great,” said Halvorson. “It takes all of us working together.”
That theme was evident in the remarks by three featured speakers, MFL MarMac Superintendent Dr. Dale Crozier, M’s Machine Co-owner Candace Drahn and Family Dentistry Associates of Monona Owner Dr. Mark Fohey.
Halvorson also recognized Teresa Graham, Hay Days organizer, with MCED’s first Community Service Award.
“This hard-working, caring volunteer took over last year and has already confirmed a great deal of 2020’s vendors and activities for Monona’s signature annual event,” Halvorson said.
Graham was surprised by the award. She said she couldn’t have managed the event alone.
“Each one of you has helped me succeed,” she shared. “I appreciate all your help.”
The night wrapped up with recognition of important decade milestones for several MCED business members. Seven businesses were honored for their longevity and commitment to serving the Monona-area community. Among them were Hackett’s Porta Potty, 10 years; Outdoor Creations, 10 years; Allen Roofing and Construction, 20 years; the Outlook newspaper, 20 years; Commercial Vehicle Group, 50 years; and Quillin’s Quality Foods, 70 years.
