Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce

01/24/2025

We are also announcing 8 awards to outstanding businesses and individuals. Last fall, we invited the public to nominate local businesses and individuals for these awards – over 300 different nominations were received. The Chamber Awards judge’s panel was tasked with reviewing all qualifying nominations, naming 3 finalists in each category and selecting the winner.

Congratulations to all nominees, finalists and winners. 2024 Award Winners are:

Small Business Excellence
⭐Heather Collins Photography

Business Excellence
⭐Ripco Credit Union

Community Service Award
⭐Rhinelander Area Silent Trails Association

Community Enhancement Award
⭐Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Entrepreneurial Achievement
⭐Cutz with Connection

Company Culture Excellence
⭐Trig’s

Community Volunteer of the Year
⭐Amy Vanney

Spirit of the Hodag
⭐Eric Burke

📸Photos by: Amanda Anderson

01/24/2025

This year we presented the Legacy Award. This award is not one we will give annually but one reserved for those whose impact on our Chamber and business community is truly extraordinary. It is a tribute to individuals or businesses whose contributions have shaped the Chamber and Rhinelander in lasting and meaningful ways.

We are privileged to present this legacy award to honor the Rouman Family—George, Michael and the entire Rouman family.

Their legacy of service, leadership, and generosity has left an irrefutable mark on our community. Through their unwavering commitment to the business community, the Chamber, and the broader Rhinelander area, the Roumans have exemplified what it truly means to make a difference.

The Rouman Amusement Company has been family owned and operated in Rhinelander since 1921. That business expanded to include the Rouman Cinema, the Fun Factory Sweet Shoppe and in more recent history the Gelato Catering business.

The Rouman family has always been community-minded. They represented not only our community, but well beyond that with involvement in the National Association of Theatre Owners.

During COVID they worked with state lawmakers to ensure support of the theater industry. And they’ve always supported community events and initiatives, including the Chamber’s Expo event, Forward Rhinelander and many more.

Sadly, Rhinelander suffered a great loss with the passing of George in 2024 and Michael just the year before. Their absence is deeply felt, but their remarkable legacy lives on through the profound contributions they have made to our community. We all have stories of the impact the Roumans have had within our own lives.

We recognize and celebrate the incredible impact of the Rouman Family. Their dedication, vision, and passion have left a legacy that will endure for generations to come.

Pictured is family friend, Ryan Hetland, accepting this Legacy Award on behalf of the entire Rouman Family.

📸Photo by: Amanda Anderson

01/24/2025

We are also thrilled to introduce a new honor, the Fab 5 - 40 and Over Awards, recognizing those who have demonstrated sustained excellence, leadership, and impact in our community. Each individual was judged in three categories: business success; mentorship and leadership; and their civic or philanthropic activities.

The 2024 Fab 5 - 40 & Over award winners are …
⭐ Bill Vancos
⭐ Kate Ferrel
⭐ Darlene Machtan
⭐ Eric Burke
⭐ Lloyd Gauthier

📸Photos by: Amanda Anderson

01/24/2025

This year, we are proud to continue the tradition of recognizing the Fantastic 5 Under 40 Awards, now in its 8th year, celebrating young professionals under 40 who have made exceptional contributions to our community. Each individual was judged in three categories: business success; mentorship and leadership; and their civic or philanthropic activities.

The 2024 Fantastic 5 Under 40 award winners are
⭐ Ben Hauser
⭐ Grace Nash (Not Pictured)
⭐ Tiki Krueger-Boehm
⭐ Di Wu
⭐ Steven Jopek

📸Photos by: Amanda Anderson

01/21/2025

Tag your favorite crafter! Now taking applications for Art Fair on the Courthouse Lawn 2025. https://www.rhinelanderchamber.com/artfair/

01/20/2025

Last chance to be included in the media exposure for the Up North Community Expo! Has your business or non-profit been deciding whether or not to become an exhibitor in the largest expo in the northwoods? Get your application in before February 5th and be included in a wide variety of advertising including television, social media, radio stations and newspapers. Reach out to the Rhinelander Chamber with questions.

01/17/2025

Our online Community Calendar is the place to go to stay up to date with events happening in the Rhinelander area! Businesses and organizations are invited to submit events, programs and more here: https://business.rhinelanderchamber.com/events/calendar

Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce is the best place to find an event in the Rhinelander WI area.

01/14/2025

The Up North Community Expo list is growing! There's still time to get your name on this list-contact the chamber to sign up! https://www.rhinelanderchamber.com/upnorthcommunityexpo/

01/09/2025

Mark your calendars for these 2025 Business After 5 Events!

01/08/2025

2024 was quite a year - so many milestones and exciting projects. We are really looking forward to 2025!

01/06/2025

Welcome to our new Chamber Members who joined in December!

MaySquare
Phoenix Counseling LLC
Rhinelander Land Improvements

01/03/2025

The time has come to announce the finalists of our Annual Chamber Awards! We received hundreds of nominations. An independent judge's panel has narrowed the extensive list of nominees down to these finalists.

The winners of these awards will be announced at the Chamber's Annual Awards Gala & Fundraiser event on Thursday, January 23rd.

Congratulations to our finalists!

01/03/2025

Thank you to all who dropped off warm winter clothing for our Big Bundle Up Campaign in December! 🧤Together, we donated a total of 651 items to Warm for Winter clothing pantry. Thank you to Hodag10s who partnered with us on the campaign, and donated a large amount of items as well! 🧣

01/02/2025

2025 Area Guides are now available! 🎉 Stop by our office to get a copy or visit our website: RhinelanderChamber.com/area-guide/

01/01/2025

Tonight at 7 pm!

🎉🎉🎉 Happy New Year!! 🎉🎉🎉

Reminder:
Tonight is the final night of our 8th season.
Join us at 7 PM for fireworks.
Arrive early for parking and visit the Santa Shack in the pavilion by the boat landing parking lot for great snacks & hot chocolate provided by the Rhinelader Woman’s Club.

Thank you all for another great season!!!!

01/01/2025

Happy New Year! Here's to success, growth, and new possibilities in the year ahead!