The Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce held its 2021 Fall Open House Tuesday at The Bridge in downtown Fort Atkinson. The gala event included a meet-and-greet for chamber members, food, drink and the announcement of three annual awards: Ryan and Kristi Klopcic of the Fireside Dinner Theatre received the “Tourism Counts” award, which was presented by last year’s recipients, Jim and Christa Bowers and chamber tourism manager Katie Carey; Lisa Tuttle Woods, owner of Tuttle’s Hallmark, received the “Small Business Owner of the Year” award, which was presented by last year’s recipient Erin Patterson and chamber president Mike Ehlers, and Alisha Bade, chamber of commerce Fort Atkinson Farmers Market Manager, received the “Friend of the Chamber” award, which was presented by Chamber Executive Director Carrie Chisholm, Associate Director Anna Jensen and Carey. Following are pictures from the event.
Chamber members visit during a cocktail hour before award presentations are made during the organization’s Fall Open House. The event was held at The Bridge, in downtown Fort Atkinson, Tuesday, Oct. 6.
Father and son Ryan, at left, and Rick Klopcic visit during the Fall Open House event. The Klopcic family owns and operates the Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson. Ryan and his wife, Kristi, were later named the 2021 “Tourism Counts” award recipients. A story about the award is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/firesides-klopcics-presented-chambers-tourism-counts-award/.
Lisa Tuttle Woods and Anne Wesner, Tuttle Hallmark store manager, visit during a reception held during the Fall Open House. Tuttle Woods was later named this year’s “Small Business Person of the Year.” A story about the award is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/tuttle-woods-named-fort-chambers-small-business-person-of-year/.
PremierBank Marketing Director Rochelle Mitchell, at left, and chamber ambassador Mary Kay Weston visit during the event.
Greeting chamber members at the door, Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce Associate Director Anna Jensen, at left, and chamber Executive Director Carrie Chisholm help event-goers purchase raffle tickets.
Fort Real Estate Company mother-daughter team agent Houston Foelker, at left, and Broker/Owner Kim Foelker visit with event-goers in advance of the award ceremony.
Deb Reinbold, with Thrive ED, center, left, and PremierBank Vice President of Wealth Management Steve Olsen visit during the event.
Owners of The Bridge, Christa and Jim Bowers, ensure a successful event on Tuesday. The couple was on hand to help present the Tourism Counts award. The Bowers were the recipients of the award last year.
Sisters, new chamber members and the owners of a soon-to-open downtown Fort clothing boutique called Piper Mae, Beth Costa, at left, and Sarah Costa Jones arrive at the event.
School District of Fort Atkinson Superintendent Rob Abbott makes his way through the crowd
Fort Community Credit Union President Sue Johnson, at left, and Fort Atkinson Community Foundation Executive Director Sue Hartwick visit in advance of the award ceremony.
Husband-and-wife duo Mitch and Erin and Patterson visit with event-goers. Erin was last year’s recipient of the Small Business Owner of the Year award. The couple owns Paddy Coughlin’s Pub in Fort Atkinson.
School District of Fort Atkinson Director of Technology D.J. Scullin, at left, and Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce President Mike Ehlers visit during Tuesday’s event.
One of several employees at The Bridge circulates amongst the guests while presenting tasty treats.
Mike Bender, of Bender, Kinde & Stafford, at left, visits with Quingze Lv, a new dentist at Bender, Kind & Stafford and a new chamber member.
Chamber ambassador Mary Kay Weston and new chamber member Anthony Zuelsdorf, who, along with his wife, Samantha Siegel, not pictured, owns TKB Building and Remodeling LLC, wait for the award ceremony to begin.
Fireside Dinner Theatre Information Technology Manager Greg Gilson, center, front, waits in line for raffle tickets.
Fort Atkinson Club member Mary Wegner and her husband, David, visit during the event.
Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce Tourism Manager Katie Carey greets guests as they arrive at The Bridge during the Fall Open House.
Mary and David Wegner, at left, visit with North Shore Chop House Front House Supervisor Sarah Hausmann in advance of the evening’s award ceremony.
School District of Fort Atkinson Communications and Community Engagement Specialist Marissa Weidenfeller, at left, and Fort Community Credit Union President Sue Johnson visit.
Fireside Dinner Theater Marketing Manager Julie Nordeen, at left, and Jane Klopcic, a member of the family that owns the theatre, share conversation at the event.
Treats are presented to several guests during the events meet-and-greet cocktail reception.
Pictured at left: Executive Chef Kevin Halpin prepares an array of mouthwatering treats for placement on trays. Event-goers were treated to food selections which were presented by The Bridge employees on trays and buffet-style; Above, new chamber member Sarah Costa Jones is the winner of one of several raffles. She is holding her prize, a colorful bouquet made by Humphrey Floral and Gift in Fort Atkinson, at bottom, event-goers fill the space at The Bridge in downtown Fort Atkinson.
Kim McDarison photos.
