These 5 companies are winners of Manitowoc County's top economic development awards, given by Progress Lakeshore
MANITOWOC – Manitowoc County’s public-private economic development organization Progress Lakeshore handed out its annual Excellence in Economic Development Awards May 9 at The Venue at Union Square.
The following awards were given recognizing the best economic development projects and the year’s most influential leaders.
Entrepreneurial Achievement Award: Summit Clinical Services
Summit Clinical Services started operating in April 2022 and aims to improve mental health and substance abuse services in Manitowoc and nearby regions.
Summit Clinical Services' mission is to reduce barriers to health care by simplifying the intake process and minimizing requirements for clients.
Honorable mentions in this category were presented to Retro Eighth Coffee & Açaí and Third Gen Salvage.
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Neighborhood Development Award: Allie Family Companies
This award recognizes innovative real estate development or reuse projects that are purposely built or adaptively reused to enhance the community.
Progress Lakeshore said the River North development project, specifically, stands out for revitalizing a previously neglected property that had been abandoned for more than half a century.
By creating 87 market-rate apartments, this development has not only given a new home to approximately 150 people in downtown Manitowoc but also served as a catalyst for further development in the River Point District.
Honorable mention in this category was presented to Cool City Brewing Company.
Economic Accelerator of the Year Award: Nicolet National Bank
This award recognizes an individual or organization that has played a key leadership role in economic development — workforce development, entrepreneurship, community collaboration, and/or business retention and expansion.
Nominees demonstrate effective leadership in mobilizing the development of programs and projects and are advocates for economic development.
Progress Lakeshore said that by partnering with local businesses and providing access to capital, Nicolet National Bank has indirectly supported job growth and retention, and helped to create a dynamic economic ecosystem that fosters investment in technology and workforce.
Honorable mention in this category was presented to Mike Howe.
Corporate Investment Award: AMMO, Inc.
AMMO, Inc., the winner of this award, partnered with a local business to expand and include a new 160,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility; 200-meter underground, on-site firing range; and the creation of many new jobs.
Honorable mention in this category was presented to Dramm Corporation.
Community Enhancement Award: Lakeshore Foster Families & Friends
Lakeshore Foster Families & Friends was recognized for its work in supporting children in foster and kinship care by advocating for their needs and providing essential resources and support.
The organization is composed of parents and concerned citizens who volunteer time and energy to aid disadvantaged kids and their families in the community.
Honorable mention in this category was presented to Do It for Dillon.
Also at the awards breakfast ...
Former Progress Lakeshore President Greg Jagemann recognized outgoing board members during the May 9 awards breakfast, followed by newly appointed Board President Eric Sitkiewitz, who introduced the current and incoming board members.
Executive Director Jamie Zastrow provided an update on Progress Lakeshore's initiatives and highlighted current projects, which included entrepreneur development services, participation in the Center on Rural Innovation’s network, the recent announcement by ClearSky Health about a new 36-bed medical rehabilitation hospital in the Village of Cleveland, and current efforts to address the shortage of child care as a barrier to employment.
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“We have so many great projects to celebrate, and more on the horizon," Zastrow said in a news release. "The people of Manitowoc County are our greatest asset in collaborative economic development initiatives.”
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This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Progress Lakeshore awards Manitowoc County's top projects, leaders
