Fox Cities Chamber: Future Neenah Recognizes Outstanding 2021 Partnerships

Press release from the Fox Cities Chamber:

January 19, 2022

Neenah, WI January 19, 2022-- Future Neenah recognized the following individuals and businesses that, through partnerships, made serving as Neenah’s quality of life organization a success in 2021.

These honorees have hearts for community service and a love of Neenah Area.

Corporate Citizen of the Year Award: Amcor

A top area employer, Amcor goes above and beyond by supporting employee involvement in the community with dollars for doers program which provides donations to nonprofits that their employees volunteer for and also matching employee donations to nonprofits such as Future Neenah. Amcor is also an active participant in our events, supporting the Shattuck Park concerts and encouraging employee participation through board representation.

“Future Neenah is able to work for a vibrant, growing community through the generous support of local employers like Amcor. It simply wouldn’t be possible without them.” said Nikki Hessel, Future Neenah Executive Director.

Neenah With Pride Award : Red Door Mercantile; Tina and David Palmer

Red Door Mercantile participates in all the events and activities and is a district destination hosting special events of their own like Junket of Joy and Holiday Greens Market. They carry community branding a step above and beyond – if you’re looking for Neenah branded goods – they’ve got it! They also promote community amenities like the trestle loop and The Plaza with merchandise. Red Door Mercantile’s social media presence and marketing boosts the entire district. Tina has served as a past BID board member and is a current member of the downtown marketing committee. We couldn’t sum it up better than they do in their own newsletter, “LIVE LIKE A LOCAL- This means embrace all that our area has to offer. Make an impact and live, do, enjoy in a local way. We truly can make an impact in our world right around us.”

Hessel said, “Red Door Mercantile is the type of business that every thriving downtown hopes for. Tina and David are engaged with the business community, enthusiastic, and their customer service always goes the extra mile.”

Music Maker Award: Gary Bomber; Bomber Sound Productions

So many years and so much sound! Gary has practically become part of our Future Neenah family. He provides the professional sound for our evening concerts, making us sound good. He’s also been very adaptable to rain rescheduling and COVID reformatting.

“Our beloved Concert Series would not be possible without Gary’s knowledge, expertise, and sense of humor. He’s the best!” said Nikki Hessel, Future Neenah Executive Director.

Downtown Business of the Year Award: The Tailored Hide Custom Leather & The Gift Gallery

The Tailored Hide moved into the district in 2016 and fully embraced the Downtown Unequaled brand. Owner Leeann Wasinger is entering her second term as a Business Improvement District (BID) board member. They participate in all the downtown community events and activities and are a district destination offering leather repair and one-of-a-kind leather creations, even doing repairs for PAC productions. Their wide variety and line of gifts makes them the place to be downtown.

Hessel praised The Tailored Hide, “They happily participate in all of our Downtown Neenah happenings and are always one of the first in line with their hand raised ‘yes’ to Ultimate Ladies Day, Warm Your Heart, the Summer Sale and so much more.”

Grow With Us Award: Rhonda Mesko

Not all superheroes wear capes! Rhonda came to our rescue as the 2021 Farmers Market season supervisor helping make our Saturdays worry free and operations at Shattuck Park running smoothly. She stepped up to help with additional Market duties when we were short staffed this summer and then even prepared the salad course for Future Neenah’s annual Farm to Table event through her business, Relish and Roots. Thank you, Rhonda, for your positivity and can-do attitude.

“We are so grateful to have Rhonda’s smiling face bringing you fresh, local produce each week at the Farmers Market, and beyond thankful that she is a part of team Future Neenah” Hessel said.

This press release was produced by the Fox Cities Chamber. The views expressed here are the author’s own.