MACCI unveils new branding, hands out annual awards
By Hub City Times staff
MARSHFIELD – The Marshfield Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MACCI) has a new vision and a new slogan for the new year. That’s what the organization’s executive director announced during the group’s annual meeting on Jan. 29.
MACCI collaborated with the Convention and Visitors Bureau on rebranding efforts, as the CVB recently transformed into “Visit Marshfield.” MACCI also unveiled new website enhancements featuring a new job board.
The changes were born out of the “Horizon Initiative” which is unique to the chamber industry. The new strategy adopts eight influences that will shape chambers over the next decade. Larson says one of the first actions taken by MACCI was to survey its members.
During the evening, Quality Roofing was named as MACCI’s 2020 Firm of the Year. The firm was established in 1943, and purchased by Mark and Pat Begotka in 1990.
Quality Roofing has grown to more than 55 full-time employees, and has moved its facility two times to accommodate growth, and added a branch location in Menomonie to better serve the western part of the state.
Hewitt’s Meat Processing was named MACCI’s Small Business of the Year. Hewitt’s started in business in 1939 with two employees, and today employs 17 full-time and part-time workers, run by a fourth generation of ownership led by John and Amanda Franseen.
“We are humbled to accept an award like this,” John said, “and we are really humbled to be the fourth generation of such a great company, in such a great community, with such great employees and community members.”
Hewitt’s has recently built a new location on the city’s south side, and also expanded into Tomahawk.
MACCI’s annual Service Award went to longtime community volunteer and current MACCI Ambassador, Pat Allen, who’s carried the torch her late husband Bill left behind after his death in 2007.
“The chamber has been absolutely awesome to me,” Pat said. “They have been so kind, invited me in… Kathy Banks said to me about 12 years ago, ‘I’m going to see you at the meeting tonight.’ I said, ‘No, there’s no way. I want nothing to do with what Bill did.’ Well, she pulled up in her convertible, and she said, ‘I am taking you down to the chamber, and you are coming with me whether you like it or not.’”
Pat is the 25th recipient of the Service Award, which was something Bill Allen was once honored with as well.
Melissa Barnes of Marshfield Utilities was honored as Leadership Marshfield’s Alumnus of the Year. Barnes was a member of the 2016 class of Leadership Marshfield, which is now in its 28th year.