‘We dream of a Rhinelander that continues to thrive’

Here’s a thought experiment for those who call the Rhinelander area home. Imagine the individuals who founded the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce 100 years ago had just 30 minutes to explore the city circa 2024. What elements might they find familiar and what would be beyond their wildest imaginings?

The contours are the same — the flowing Wisconsin and Pelican Rivers, the wooded landscape — but what would they make of today’s commerce — stores so large they require an unfathomable amount of acreage, food and drink easily acquired from the front seat of something that only vaguely resembles a 1920s era motorcar, transactions conducted not with the exchange of coins or paper money but by holding a strange device near an equally perplexing symbol. 

Members of the staff of Blain’s Farm & Fleet in Rhinelander pose with Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Lauren Sackett during the chamber’s annual awards gala and fundraiser at The Pines Event Center in Rhinelander Thursday, Jan. 25. Blain’s Farm and Fleet won the chamber’s Community Enhancement Award for 2023. 
(Photo courtesy of the Rhinelander Area Chamber of commerce)

Last Thursday, Jan. 25, the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the organization’s milestone 100th anniversary with a formal gala at the Pines Event Center.

As chamber executive director Lauren Sackett put it, the fete was a time for both celebration and reflection.

“Tonight we gather not only to celebrate a remarkable milestone but to honor the vibrant community that has fueled our success over the past century,” she said. “As we begin our 100th year as the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce, tonight is a momentous occasion and a time to reflect on the incredible journey that has brought us here.”

At its inception 100 years ago, the Rhinelander chamber was a “driving force behind business development that laid the foundation for our community,” she noted, adding that those long ago leaders recognized the importance of economic development and planted seeds that continue to bear fruit. 

In particular, Sackett noted that the forward-thinking early leaders of the Rhinelander chamber “recognized the potential of our natural surroundings and actively promoted tourism as a vital component of our identity.”

Further, the chamber has played an active role in advocating for improvements to bolster quality of life in Rhinelander including infrastructure, health care and education, she added.

“At present, the three themes of business development, tourism and advocacy work remain an ever present mission of ours,” Sackett noted, adding that the chamber is actively engaged in projects and partnerships that contribute to the well-being of Rhinelander.”

“Tonight’s celebration is not just about the past and the present, it’s a bridge to the future,” she added. “As we embark on the next chapter we are filled with excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead.”

“We dream of a Rhinelander that continues to thrive, evolve and adapt to changing times,” she concluded. “Together we will build upon the foundation laid by our predecessors. The challenges we will face are opportunities for innovation and the unity of our community is our greatest strength.”

After inviting the attendees to raise a glass of champagne, Sackett finished with a rousing toast to the future.

“Here’s to the next 100 years of prosperity, growth and community!” she said. “Cheers!”

Following Sackett’s remarks, the chamber announced its 2023 award winners and the newest group of Top 10 under 40 honorees.

The 2023 Award Winners are:

Small Business Excellence — CT’s Deli LLC 

Business Excellence — Nicolet Bank, Rhinelander 

Community Service Award — YMCA of the Northwoods 

Community Enhancement Award — Blain’s Farm & Fleet 

Entrepreneurial Achievement — The Pines Event Center

Company Culture Excellence — The Crimson Cafe 

Community Volunteer of the Year — Casey Lehmann

Spirit of the Hodag — Jeremy Mayo.

2023 also marked the sixth year of the Top 10 Under 40 Awards. Each year, the chamber asks the public to nominate outstanding young adults who are making a difference where we live. Each individual was judged in three categories: business success; mentorship and leadership; and their civic or philanthropic activities. 

“The judge’s panel had a very hard time of narrowing all nominees and finalists down to this list of 10, as they are all a vital part to our vibrant community,” chamber officials noted in a Facebook post announcing the honorees.

The 2023 Top 10 Under 40 award winners are:

• Ben Gauthier - Indian Health Service

• Stevie Radzinski - Heck Capital Advisors

• Mandy Hein - Northland CPAs

• Kaitlin Edwardson - Aspirus Health & Hodag10s

• Lexi Allen - School District of Rhinelander

• Dave Mannikko - Boyd Financial Service

• John LaChapelle - School District of Rhinelander

• Ali Pichowski - Nicolet College

• Randy Ostrom - Ponsse North America

• Sarah Morris - NRG Media

Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].