Established in 2002, Forward Janesville's Annual Awards Luncheon recognizes and honors the businesses, organizations, and individuals that have made a positive impact in our community.
Click here to view a list of past winners.
The 2024 Forward Janesville Annual Awards Luncheon took place Tuesday, April 9, at The Celtic House at Glen Erin Golf Club.
This year's honorees included:
- Andrew Marcotte, Blain Supply Inc. (Emerging Leader Award, sponsored by BMO): Awarded to a young professional who has excelled in their profession, demonstrated professional competency and integrity, and exhibits the attributes and ability to become a future leader.
- The Kennedy Family Foundation (Community Improvement Award, sponsored by Mercyhealth): Awarded to a business or individual who has demonstrated exemplary contributions to the growth and well-being of the community.
- Dr. Allison DeGraaf, School District of Janesville (Educator of the Year, sponsored by UW-Whitewater): Awarded to an individual or group who has actively encouraged partnerships between the business and education communities.
- Jose Massas-Caraballo, Massas Transportation (Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by First National Bank and Trust): Awarded to an individual who has exemplified leadership and the entrepreneurial spirit in making their ideas, and ultimately their business, successful. The nominee must be the owner/operator of a business enterprise with less than 50 employees.
- Ignatek, LLC (Business of the Year, 50 or fewer employees, sponsored by Nowlan Law): Awarded to a business that recognizes that business success and community involvement go hand in hand. The award recognizes the exemplary customer service, product knowledge, community support, and professionalism that make their business a success and a great asset to the community.
- Beloit Sky Carp/Gateway Professional Baseball, LLC (Business of the Year, 50+ employees, sponsored by Johnson Financial Group): Awarded to a business that recognizes that business success and community involvement are two vital components of a business strategy. The award recognizes the exemplary customer service, product knowledge, community support, and professionalism that make their business a success and an asset to the community.
- Janesville Performing Arts Center (Diversity Award, sponsored by Minuteman Press): Awarded to a business or individual that has shown exemplary contributions in implementing policies, procedures, and/or programs that enhance diversity in the Janesville community.
- Terri Moldenhauer, Hagen CPA (Ambassador Award, sponsored by Boomerang Home Rentals): Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exemplary representation of the business community. This individual has been a positive public relations liaison for FJI at ribbon cuttings, special events, and networking sessions. They have also been involved in extra committee work and projects.
- Christine Rebout, Janesville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (Advocacy Award, sponsored by JNB Signs): Awarded to an individual who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the business community to advocate for and/or voice its needs throughout the community & at all levels of government.
- Chief David Moore (ret.) (Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by JP Cullen): Honors an individual who has made a measurable difference in our community. Janesville is a better place because the honoree of the Lifetime Achievement Award has been active and engaged in initiatives that embrace the idea of community commitment.
