Fox Cities Chamber Announces Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients

The Fox Cities Chamber has announced the recipients of its Lifetime Achievement Awards. These annual awards recognize individuals who embrace principled leadership, strategic thinking, balanced workplace values and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Each has a unique blend of vision, energy, perseverance and skill, demonstrating outstanding achievements in operating businesses as well as leadership in the community.

The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are:

• Gus A. Zuehlke Distinguished Service Award – This award is named in honor of Gus A. Zuehlke, a past Chairman of the Board of the Fox Cities Chamber. In the spirit of Gus’ passion for serving his community, this award honors an individual who has made outstanding contributions through leadership in business and service during his/her years as a Chamber member.
  
  This year’s Gus A. Zuehlke Distinguished Service Award winner is Kim Underhill - Group President North America - Retired/ Senior Advisor/ Executive Coach, Kimberly Clark/Boston Consulting Group/The Next Chapter, LLC.
  
  
• Joyce Bytof Exceptional Mentor Award - This award goes to an individual who is proactive in the advancement of others by sharing time, talent and business experience for the purposes of promoting growth and opportunity in the Fox Cities community.
  
  This year’s Joyce Bytof Exceptional Mentor Award winner is Sharon Hulce – President/CEO, Employment Resource Group Inc.
  
  
• ATHENA Leadership Award - Sponsored by Bergstrom Automotive, this award is given to a woman who has achieved the highest level of professional excellence. This individual contributes time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the Fox Cities community and actively assists others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potential.
  
  This year’s ATHENA Leadership Award winner is Dawn Ruchala – Senior Manager, Community Engagement, U.S. Venture.
  
  
• Business Leader Hall of Fame - The Business Hall of Fame Award is presented to an individual or individuals who have demonstrated personal and business success and are role models for future generations.
  
  This year’s Business Leader Hall of Fame winner is Rich Batley – President/Owner, RB Hospitality.
  
  
• Legacy Award - The Legacy Award is presented to an outstanding member whose enduring dedication and visionary contributions have significantly shaped the success of the Fox Cities Chamber. This prestigious honor celebrates an individual who has left an indelible mark on the Chamber's history, inspiring future generations with their remarkable legacy of service and impact.
  
  This year’s Legacy Award winner is John Bergstrom – Executive Chairman, Bergstrom Automotive.

More details about the winners and their stories will be shared in the coming weeks.

These individuals will be honored for their achievements at Celebrate on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort Hotel, 1000 Cameron Way, Neenah. This is a can’t-miss event, where attendees will enjoy dinner, music, a and an exciting auction, as the 2025 Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award winners are honored.

New this year, exclusive to event attendees only, is a Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon raffle. Attendees can enter the raffle to win a 750 mL bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 15 year Bourbon Whiskey worth $2000! Only 100 tickets will be available at $100 each. This is an iconic and highly sought-after wheated bourbon, celebrated for its unmatched complexity, richness, and depth.

General admission for Celebrate is $200 for Fox Cities Chamber members and $250 for non-members. Tables of 10 are also available for $2,000/$2,500. Proceeds from this event go toward Chamber programming and events, designed to benefit members, educators, young professionals, and businesses alike.

Sponsorship opportunities are also still available. For details, email Eric Broten at ebroten@foxcc.net.

For more information and to register, visit https://members.foxcc.net/chamber-events/Details/2026-celebrate-1357699?sourceTypeId=Website.

About Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce

The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce captures the energy of one of Wisconsin’s most dynamic regions and transforms it into innovative programs and services for its business members. The Fox Cities Chamber serves all of the Fox Cities communities within the counties of Outagamie, Calumet and the northern portion of Winnebago. The Fox Cities Chamber plays a leadership role in regional economic development efforts in Northeastern Wisconsin. For more information, visit foxcitieschamber.com.