The Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) held their Annual Dinner on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at Turner Hall in Monroe. The evening recognized outstanding community and business leaders and included a presentation from Keynote speaker Todd Kuckkahn about communication and collaboration for goal achievement.
GCDC Executive Director, Olivia Otte welcomed the large group with an introduction of both herself, and the new Marketing Manager, Tracy Brewer, as the newest team members, having started in their roles this past summer. Otte shared GCDC 2021 highlights and her vision for the organization.
Awards presentations followed for Outstanding Large and Small Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, and the Richard B. Schmied Leadership Award. The Outstanding Business of the Year, recognizes existing businesses that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the county’s economic growth through innovation, job creation, new investment, and/or extraordinary long-time interest in supporting other business.
The Outstanding Small Business of the Year was presented to CGM Sales, owners Chad Boeck and Gilbert Moore. CGM outgrew a garage start up from 2011 with expansion in Freeport and most recently the former Farm & Fleet building in Monroe. Excellent customer service and continued community support through donations for the Green County Fair, Cheese Days, Monroe Park & Recreation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Green County, Monroe Rural Fire Department, Monticello and Monroe Police and EMS, and more, are evidence of their commitment and investment to the community. CGM Sales sells new and used golf carts, mowers, ATV/UTV’s, four wheelers and trailers.
The Outstanding Large Business of the Year was presented to SSM Health Monroe Hospital and Clinics. They were recognized their diligent response to Covid-19, excellence in health care, and investment in the community with their recent completion of the hospital expansion, EPIC upgrades, and full integration with the SSM Health System. The commitment to excellence in community health extends beyond Monroe to clinics throughout southern Wisconsin and Green County.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award honors an entrepreneur who leads the way for the business, demonstrating a growth mindset, a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn and find solutions to challenges, and a hunger for opportunity. This year’s award was presented to David Parr, owner of Parrfection Produce. Parrfection Produce has grown from a solo-led, private garden to a business warehouse, greenhouses, and retail store west of Monticello employing 10 seasonal employees. David started his company in college and now aggregates and distributes local produce grown on family farms, including many Amish and Mennonite families in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin and beyond. His environmentally responsible and resilient business model reflects his high standard of product quality, and customer service while maintaining a growth mindset.
The Richard B. Schmied Leadership Award commemorates Richard B. Schmied, remembered for characteristics of leadership he exhibited, and exemplifies the character of a true leader. This year’s recipient was presented to Bob Erb, President and CEO of Colony Brands. He was recognized for his steadfast leadership and “people over profits” approach during the pandemic. The employees, customers, and the communities in which Colony Brands does business were made safer, and the continued success of Colony Brands is evident throughout the community.
GCDC, a multi-jurisdictional economic development corporation, was formed to bring professional economic development expertise to its member communities to create a competitive advantage to spur job creation and new investments. The organization is building the economic future of Green County communities and businesses through public-private partnerships. For more information, visit GCDC at online at www.greencountyedc.com.
SSM Health Monroe President Jane Curran-Meuli accepts the award for Outstanding Large Business of the Year from GCDC Executive Director Olivia Otte
David Parr owner of Parrfection Produce accepts the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award from Olivia Otte, Executive Director of GCDC
Owners Chad Boeck & Gilbert Moore accept the Outstanding Small Business of the Year Award from GCDC Executive Director, Olivia Otte
Bob Erb, President & CEO of Colony Brands accepts the Richard B. Schmied Leadership Award from Olivia Otte, GCDC Exective Director
Keynote Speaker Todd Kuckkahn entertained the crowd with stories of past years in Monroe, and about his experience with collaboration and partnerships to move projects forward.
For more information about the Green County Development Corporation, please contact the GCDC office at (608) 328-9452 or email [email protected].