The Fourth Annual Vernon County Awards Banquet was held recently
More than 200 residents, business owners, and local officials gathered at Willow + Oak in Hillsboro on Wednesday, November 4, for the Fourth Annual Vernon County Awards Banquet. The yearly event honors individuals, organizations, and businesses whose dedication and hard work continue to strengthen the local community.
Embracing this year’s theme, “Stronger Together: Adapting. Innovating. Thriving.,” the evening showcased the resilience and creative spirit found throughout Vernon County. Attendees enjoyed a full schedule of activities, including a brewery tour at Hillsboro Brewing Company, a panel discussion featuring local entrepreneurs, updates on county initiatives from the Community Development Department, and a formal dinner preceding the awards ceremony.
Honorees were recognized across ten distinct categories representing a broad spectrum of industries and community contributions. Top honors went to Mt. Tabor Mill for Small Business of the Year, Farmers State Bank - Hillsboro for Mid-Sized Business of the Year, and Westby Cooperative Creamery for Large Business of the Year. Additional recognition went to the Coon Creek Community Watershed Council for Environmental Stewardship, Russ Cornford for Healthcare & Emergency Response, Jed Olson for the Young Leaders Award, Sweet Rides & Sweet Pies for Event of the Year, the Stoddard Food Pantry for Non-Profit Excellence, Tyler Fortun for the Community Impact Award, and Tim Hundt of the Vernon Reporter for the People’s Choice Award.
Larkin Breckel, Economic Development and Marketing Coordinator for Vernon County, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to spotlight community achievements and foster connections among attendees. Organized by the Vernon County Community Development Department, the annual rotating banquet aims to celebrate the people and organizations driving local growth. .
Todd Coppernoll oversees local news for WRCO and WRCE radio in Richland Center. Having served Richland Center as Mayor for three terms, Todd brings a unique perspective, and a familiar voice to the news. The focus is local, and so is the reporter.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at [email protected].