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Head to our registration page to secure your spot today!
Date & Time:
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Location:
Kilkarney Hills Golf Course, 163 Radio Road, River Falls, WI
Admission:
Investor Admission: $60 per person
Non-Investor Admission: $75 per person
Turning 70 with the 70s: Annual Awards Banquet
Join us for the largest networking event of the year as we celebrate the River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce's 70th anniversary, Turning 70 with the 70s! This year’s Annual Awards Banquet will be a blast from the past, bringing the groovy vibes of the 1970s to our community celebration.
It will be an unforgettable night to honor local businesses, leaders, and individuals who have made an impact in our community in 2024. Come network with community members, enjoy delicious food and beverage, and celebrate a fantastic year with us. Whether you're reliving the era of bell-bottoms, disco, or vinyl records, or simply appreciating the milestones of 70 years of Chamber success, this is an event you won't want to miss.
Event Features
Auctions & Raffles
Add an extra layer of excitement to your evening with our Raffles and Silent Auction! This annual tradition offers attendees the chance to win incredible prizes and bid on a variety of unique items and experiences generously donated by local businesses and community members.
Proceeds from the raffles and auction support Chamber programs and initiatives, making it a fun and impactful way to contribute to our vibrant community.
Want to get involved? Contact Megan to donate an item or experience for the auction and showcase your business while supporting a great cause. Your contribution helps make this event even more special!
Food & Beverage
You can't have an Awards Banquet without the food and beverage. Here's what you need to know:
- Cash Bar: There will be a full bar avaliable on site. Please note this is a cash bar that accepts cash and card.
- Buffet Dinner: We will have a buffet stuffed with a variety of options.
- Menu - Subject to Change - Bruschetta Chicken, Sliced Roast Beef & Gravy, Mixed Green Salad with Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing, Garlic & Herb Mashed Potatoes, Whole Green Beans, & Rolls with Butter.
If you have any dietary restrictions that have not been accommodated by our menu, please reach out to Megan for additional support.
Chamber Insights
Celebrate the Chamber’s 2024 achievements and get a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2025. We’ll highlight key milestones, community impact, and unveil new programs and opportunities designed to support our members and drive growth in the River Falls business community.
Awards & Recognitions
Each year at the Annual Awards Banquet, the Chamber honors exceptional contributions to the River Falls community through prestigious awards.
- The Business of the Year Awards celebrate both small and large businesses that demonstrate excellence in operations, leadership, and community impact.
- The Citizen of the Year Award, chosen by a public vote, recognizes an individual who exemplifies outstanding service and dedication to making River Falls a better place to live and work.
These awards highlight the remarkable people and businesses that drive our community forward.
Scroll down the page to nominate and vote!
Congratulations to our Citizen of the Year, Mary Waters!
Mary Waters has been a devoted special needs school bus driver for the River Falls School District since the 1980s. Her genuine love for her work is evident in the care she provides daily, and she is cherished by the children she transports. At 76, Mary still embraces her role with enthusiasm, though she plans to retire in the coming years—much to the dismay of her favorite students, who have asked her to stay on longer.
Mary’s life has also been marked by immense pride and sacrifice. Her only son, Derrick, served as a master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force – Raven #333. Tragically, Mary became a Gold Star Mother in 2015 when Derrick passed away due to health complications from his years of dedicated service. The events of September 11, 2001, deeply impacted Mary’s family, as Derrick’s undercover missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond kept him away for extended periods. These years were filled with worry and sleepless nights, but his memory as Raven #333 lives on in Mary’s heart and the hearts of many others. Today, Mary continues to honor military families through her role as a hospice volunteer with Adoray Home Health & Hospice.
Throughout her life, Mary has worn countless hats in service to River Falls. From 1985 to 1993, she led the River Falls Chamber of Commerce as its Executive Director. For 25 years, she served on the River Falls Ambulance Service as an EMT and first responder. Since 2003, Mary has been a child passenger safety technician, ensuring the safety of infants and children through car seat inspections and installations. She is also a founding member of Power of 100 Women – River Falls, an organization established in 2018 that has since raised over $300,000 for local nonprofits. Additionally, Mary has served as Chief Election Official for the Township of River Falls and was a board member for River Falls Riding for a Cause, supporting local charities for a decade.
Amidst all her service, Mary’s greatest joy is her family. She is a proud grandmother to D.J. Schmitt and Brittani Schmitt and a devoted great-grandmother to Phoenix, Rosie, Aiden, and Raven.
Mary Waters is a shining example of kindness, selflessness, and community spirit. Her unwavering love for her family and her dedication to the River Falls community make her truly deserving of the Citizen of the Year award. She has left an indelible mark on all who know her, and her legacy of service will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Doors Open
Social Hour
Dinner & Program
Silent Auction & Closing Remarks
4:30 PM
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
6:00 PM
7:30 PM
Awards & Recognition
Each year, the River Falls Chamber of Commerce proudly honors outstanding individuals and businesses that make significant contributions to our community. These awards are a highlight of our Annual Dinner and recognize those who exemplify excellence, dedication, and a strong commitment to the River Falls area.
Small Business of the Year
The Small Business of the Year Award recognizes a local business with fewer than 50 employees that has shown outstanding commitment to the River Falls community. This award honors a business that exemplifies excellence in operations, innovation, and community involvement. Through their leadership, this business contributes to the growth and vibrancy of the local economy and sets a positive example for others to follow.
Large Business of the Year
The Large Business of the Year Award honors a local business with 50 or more employees that has made a significant impact on River Falls. This award is given to a business that demonstrates exceptional leadership, contributes to the local economy, and fosters a positive work culture while supporting the community through engagement and philanthropy. The recipient of this award is a key player in enhancing the region’s economic landscape. To view winners from previous years, click here.
Citizen of the Year
The Citizen of the Year Award is a special distinction voted on by the River Falls community. It recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond to make a lasting, positive impact on the city and its residents. Whether through volunteerism, leadership, or personal dedication, this award honors someone whose actions inspire others and contribute to the betterment of the River Falls area. This award embodies the spirit of community and service that makes River Falls a great place to live and work.
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