By Nikki Ackerman
Staff Writer

Nine individuals and organizations were honored for their civic service at the Menomonee Falls Community Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet held Jan. 26 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Milwaukee.
Mary Metzger, the 2011 Chamber President, opened the program by describing the Community Chamber as a “very dynamic organization.”
“We’re fun, you will have a great time and we have a lot of great programs,” she said. “You will learn a lot along the way.”
Following the dinner portion of the event, the awards–plaques signed by Sen. Alberta Darling and Rep. Dan Knodl–were presented as the highlight of the evening.
“(These awards) go to the people in the community who work tirelessly without much recognition,” Metzger said.
The 2012 Award Recipients were, in order of presentation:
• Chairperson of the Year–Pete Sorenson of Pete’s Main Street Headliners:
Sorenson, whose hair salon business services many area residents, has led 18 of the last 27 golf outing committees, something that “requires a a special talent,” Metzger said. “With a group this large, it’s like herding cats.”
The Chamber president went on to say that the 2011 golf outing was the “most successful ever, which is no small feat in this economic climate.”
“And he does all this while keeping you looking great!” she added.
Sorenson said that although he has been doing hair for 37 years and “stands behind a chair every day,” he has never “seen himself as a chair.”
“I am truly honored,” he said of the award. “I have a passion for golf and a passion for business.”
• Committee Person of the Year–Brian Arndt of First Bank Financial Centre:
Metzger called the Chamber’s 2011 Porch Party–which was headed up by Arndt–“the best one we’ve ever had,” and she acknowledged Arndt for his “never ending support of the Chamber every day, to his coworkers and customers.”
Arndt thanked his wife and son for their support, noting that the commitment takes up a lot of his time, however, he said he plans to continue in the role.
“I have a great time doing it. It’s a lot of fun and I’ve made a lot of friends,” he said.
• Volunteer of the Year–Greg Rossebo, owner of The Great Frame Up, a custom framing and design store:
Metzger introduced Rossebo by noting his involvement in special Chamber event, as part of the organization’s marketing committee and as a new Chamber Ambassador.
“He has received appreciation awards from the arts departments at both Menomonee Falls and Hamilton high schools,” Metzger said. “He has made great contributions to the arts community.”
Rossebo said he was humbled by the “special” honor.
“I never expected to get an award for something I enjoy doing,” he said.
• President’s Award–Diane Henning, Chamber and community volunteer:
Metzger said the President’s Award is designated “for someone who steps up and goes above and beyond to improve the lives of others and the community as a whole.”
As a precinct captain at the polling place, blood donor and “encouraging voice at the Chamber,” Henning–the Chamber’s bookkeeper–fit the criteria, said Metzger.
“She always says, ‘Why drive to other communities when you can get all of your needs met here in Menomonee Falls?’” the Chamber president noted.
Henning said she was not born in the village so she has “observed friends and neighbors who were and I have taken their lead (in working, shopping and living in the community).”
• Community Betterment Award–Tri-County YMCA, represented by Geoff Mertens:
Due to extensive damage caused by the July 2010 flood, the Tri-County YMCA has had to overcome some serious obstacles, said Metzger.
“With remodeling still underway, the YMCA...still managed to help the community as a whole foster a healthy lifestyle,” she said.
Mertens concurred that it has not been an easy road, but said the health facility has prevailed through the hard work and dedicated efforts of many local individuals and organizations.
“It’s been a pretty rough 18 months,” he said. “I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped us come back better than ever.”
• Community Improvement Award–Menomonee Falls Food Pantry Board of Directors, represented by board member Todd Jackson:
The food pantry moved from Hiawatha School to its own facility this past year and serves the needs of over 1,500 people in the area. The facility has been especially taxed in recent years as “the economy wreaked havoc on our community,” Metzger said.
Jackson thanked the community–as well as longtime directors Bob and Kathy Wodushek–for their hard work and generosity.
“Now we have a new home, we want to thank everyone who has donated their time and money,” he said. “This has been a blessing to us.”
• Larry Stewart Humanitarian Award–Menomonee Falls Police Department Chief Anna Ruzinski:
As Metzger recognized Ruzinski–the village’s police chief since 2007–she said the Humanitarian Award is given to an individual who has “improved the welfare of humanity and promoted the betterment of the area.”
The chief, Metzger said, “uses wisely her bully pulpit to educate the young and old alike,” adding that since she has been chief, the crime rate has dropped “every single year.”
Ruzinski said she wouldn’t be able to do her job so well “without the cooperation of the community.”
“I accept this on behalf of the men and women of the community and the police force,” she said.
• Captain of Industry Award–Harvey Neu of Neu’s Building Center:
“Just visit his operation and you will see how to run a business and treat your customers,” Metzger said of Neu, whom she called “an industry leader in hardware and building supplies.”
Neu–whose business was founded in 1945 by his father–gives back to the community by training “countless Menomonee Falls High School graduates,” the Chamber President said.
“I could list all the people who impacted my life, but it would take too long,” said Neu as he accepted his award. “One doesn’t become a ‘Captain of Industry’ on their own.”
• Chamber Business of the Year–Trysting Place Pub, represented by owner Sal Zizzo:
“The people running (their own business) give their all,” said Metzger. “The hours are long, the pay stinks, and the rewards eventually come.”
She described the past president as someone who has “graciously given of their time for Chamber activities.”
Zizzo thanked the room filled with his peers, many of whom are also his customers.
“I can’t do it without you guys and as I look around the room, I know I’ve seen most of you (at Trysting Place),” he said.
Zizzo called his business of 26 years “his passion.”
“It’s cool to get an award for something you love to do,” he said.
Activities concluded with the passing of the gavel to from Metzger to 2012 Chamber President Chad Johnson.
Johnson, president of Johnson’s Nursery and a 1994 graduate of the school district, said he has benefited “personally and professionally from my involvement in the Chamber.”
“I look forward to learning more about you and the roles you play in making Menomonee Falls great,” said Johnson.
The event also included a silent auction, a live auction led by Zizzo and a champagne raffle.