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Lake Geneva chamber recognizes contributions

LAKE GENEVA — Lake Geneva is a great place to live, visit and do business on its own, but it’s the people who make a difference, said George Hennerley, president of the Geneva Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. That’s why the chamber is hosting its member awards gathering Wednesday, Sept. 12.

The awards gathering takes place at the Grand Geneva Resort golf pavilion, where Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett are set to be special guests.

Two organizations, one business and one individual will be honored.

-- Nancy Russell will receive the Outstanding Citizen Award from the chamber.

Russell, who serves as chairwoman of the Walworth County Board, is “instrumental in making things happen in Lake Geneva and in the county,” Hennerley said.

Russell formerly served on the Lake Geneva City Council and was instrumental in getting the original skate park established in the city, he said.

On the county level, Russell works to make sure that the county provides services in a cost-efficient manner, Hennerley said.

Russell also is involved with several groups, including the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, the Walworth County Workforce Development Board, Geneva Lake Museum and historical groups.

-- The Geneva Lake Museum will receive the Community Betterment Award from the chamber.

The museum helps to enhance the quality of life in the city through its presentation of local history, Hennerley said.

“They have done an outstanding job capturing the essence of Lake Geneva,” he said. “It’s a rich history and heritage that we’re proud of and (we) want to maintain and enhance that.”

-- Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva will receive the Hospitality Award from the Lake Geneva Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“Not only have they done a great job of satisfying the traveling public, but they are actively involved in the community … giving people an opportunity to have meetings there,” Hennerley said.

-- Lake Geneva Jaycees will receive special recognition marking 50 years in the community.

Jaycees stands for “junior chamber of commerce,” Hennerley said. “It allows the young people … to develop their community involvement and leadership skills.”

Proceeds from Jaycees projects and efforts go back into the community, he said.