It was the 91st Annual Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce Banquet and Awards last night. Ed Grys was named Distinguished Citizen of the Year.
He came to Shawano thirty years ago to be the resident manager of the paper mill. Part of his job description was to get involved in the local community and he has done exactly that over the past three decades. He’s become a fixture at the First Presbyterian Church, worked with several charities and community organizations and as an avid kite flyer, Grys founded the Shawano Kite Flying Festival in 2007.
“This is a difficult move and we have so many friends and memories and experiences here,” Grys said of his time in Shawano. “We’ve enjoyed our church community at First Presbyterian, our kids received an excellent education and both boys enjoyed successful careers. In reminiscing, this has been an amazing time to live in the Shawano Community.”
Grys pointed out a dozen of chartiable organizations that have been created in that time, along with two new schools, an indoor ice arena, a new hospital, and two new bridges.
“As well as a waterfront bid,” Grys said as the audience laughed. He was likely referring to the recent luxury apartment and single family condominium proposal at Smalley Park on the site of the old hospital
Other winners from Thursday night’s banquet.
Ambassador of the Year: Kim Ihrcke
Small Business of the Year: Best Western of Wittenberg
Best Retail Business: War Bonnet Bar & Grill of Keshena
Service Business of the Year: United Cooperative
Manufacturer of the Year: Little Rapids Shawano Paper Mill
Donna Hobscheid was named the chamber’s new president.
