by Ashley Bouwense

It was a night of celebration and recognition for the eight local businesses honored at the Madison Chamber of Commerce’s 73rd Annual Awards Dinner.
Local Madison business owners were recognized Mon., June 6 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at The Madison Hotel for their achievements this past year. The evening included a buffet, cash bar, door prizes and an awards ceremony that was held in the Victorian Room. About 100 guests attended the event.
“The Chamber’s Annual Award Dinner honors outstanding Madison businesses and this year we also recognized improvements to the community by the good people of several vital, local non-profits,” said Chamber President John Morris.
There were eight categories of recognition. The Business Improvement category went to Healthy Italia with the “2016 Outstanding Interior Renovation Award.” STRYXE was honored with the “2016 Innovation Award.” Both winners are new businesses and the chamber saluted both for making Madison their home.
Janet Allocco, executive director of The Madison Community House, was honored with the “2016 Appreciation Award.”
Curator of The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, Meg Wastie, was given the “2016 Volunteer of the Year Award” for her outstanding contributions to the business community.
The Chamber awarded the Madison Area YMCA with the “2016 Non-Profit of the Year Award” for “it’s singular efforts focused on improving the well-being of the community and individuals.”
The Garden Club of Madison received the “2016 Community Service Award” for its tireless efforts and commitment in restoring and improving common spaces for the betterment and quality of the community.
Member of the volunteer Citizens Committee were honored with the “2016 Distinguished Service Award” for organizing and implementing the “Walk With A Veteran” paver project and revitalization at the James Park triangle. The group received a standing ovation at the awards dinner.
The much anticipated “Extra Mile Award” went to The Bar Method of Madison. It is the only chamber honor determined by the general public.
“The ‘Extra Mile Award’ recognizes employees who provide outstanding customer service and go the extra step to make certain that, when doing business, Madison is the only place to be,” said Executive Director of the Chamber Karen Giambra.
All of the businesses received a plaque and members of the Chamber Board of Directors delivered a speech to each winner.
The board nominates and votes on the winning businesses at their April/May meetings.
“The business owners are always very gracious and accepting of the awards we present,” Giambra said. “They feel honored to be recognized for various categories. The night is always filled with celebration and good feelings.”
Since the chamber’s founding in 1943, there have always been an Annual Awards Dinner to honor business owners of Madison.
The Madison Chamber of Commerce is an extremely active organization and it is always adding programs to its calendar. Exciting events like the Annual Car Show Oct. 1, Pumpkin Illumination & Halloween Parade & Magic show in Oct. and the Home for the Holidays program are just around the corner!