For the Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD – The Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MACCI) held its annual meeting at the Marshfield Eagles Club on Jan. 26.

“The theme for the event was ‘Success through Time,’ which directly ties into the city of Marshfield’s 150 Anniversary Celebration this year. 2022 is a year to remember the many successes that Marshfield has celebrated over the last 150 years – overcoming obstacles, long-standing businesses, expansions, mergers, and growth,” a chamber release stated.

MACCI is recognized the following businesses and individuals for their success and contributions to the Marshfield community.

Firm of the Year

The Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry has been recognizing a Firm of the Year for the past 66 years. The Firm of the Year has proven to have a strong economic impact, has contributed to employment growth, provided service to the community, enriched community life, and been in business locally for a minimum of 10 years. This year’s recipient is PreventionGenetics.

PreventionGenetics was founded in Marshfield in 2004 with six employees. Over the past 18 years, they have grown to more than 215 employees.

“PreventionGenetics and their employees are avid community supporters and are heavily involved with many service organizations. They been leaders in several United Way giving campaigns, volunteered at Rotary Winter Wonderland, and financially supported the UWSP at Marshfield STEAM building, Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library, and, most recently, the new Vandehey Waters community pool project. PreventionGenetics employees have served on MACCI’s board of directors, UWSP’s business advisory council, and the organization is an ODC employer partner,” the release explained.

“PreventionGenetics has developed cutting edge technologies to identify genetic variants including thousands of rare genetic conditions affecting the health and quality of life for people around the world. They have gained operational efficiencies by adding robotics and complex bioinformatics to their testing process, and they were one of the first genetic testing labs to make Whole Genome Sequencing available to patients.”

PreventionGenetics was recently acquired by Exact Sciences in Madison.

“We are proud to receive this award for our past contributions to Marshfield,” said Amy Nystrom, chief business officer at PreventionGenetics.“Exact Sciences understands the need to invest in our communities and leave ita better place for the next generation. We look forward to continuing to support and serve Marshfield, now as an Exact Sciences company.”

Small Business of the Year

Scotty’s Pizza owners, Lisa & Scott Berg receive the Small Business of the Year award. Peggy Sue Behselich photo

Each year MACCI’s Small Business Committee selects a small business – 39 or fewer employees – to recognize as Small Business of the Year. This business has proven longevity with consistent growth, innovation, a strong economic impact, and community involvement.

“MACCI and the Small Business Committee are proud to recognize Scotty’s Pizza and Chicken as this year’s Small Business of the Year. Scotty’s Pizza is a locally-owned, family business that started in 1987. Despite going through many challenges, and having to completely rebuild from the ground up in 2001, this business has become a fixture in the Marshfield community. Scotty and Lisa Berg (owners) are always striving to meet the needs of their customers while continuously supporting our community. It is hard to find a local community project, service organization, or fundraiser that Scotty’s has not been a part of,” the chamber release added.

Service Award

MACCI’s Service Award was initiated by the Small Business Council in 1995 to recognize individuals who have made a positive impact on the Marshfield community through their volunteer efforts and community service activities.

“Kathy Banks, the 2022 Service Award recipient, has been a true advocate for Marshfield and has always believed in helping businesses succeed. For years she has worked with large and small businesses by helping them promote their products and services while attracting customers to the area,” the release said.

“She has been a true Ambassador for the community working with the American Legion and its various fundraisers.

“She was the first female Ambassador for MACCI and continues to serve the organization in various capacities including organizing and securing Christmas Business After 5 sponsors, promoting the Dairyfest breakfast with its printed placemats, and developed the idea of a children’s coloring book to promote dairy. She has worked with surrounding communities in promoting the Honor Walk and honoring our veterans. Now everywhere you drive thru you see those vets being remembered. In addition, she was instrumental in the dedication of Hardacre Park honoring Marilyn Hardacre.

“She is well respected by all and puts her heart and soul into every project she takes on. The Marshfield community is fortunate to have Kathy in our community.

Leadership Marshfield Alumni of the Year

In April of this year, the 30th Leadership Marshfield class will graduate bringing the total number of graduates in the program to close to 700.

Leadership Marshfield graduates continue to be active leaders in the community, bringing new projects that impact the city.

In 1999, the Leadership Marshfield Alumni Steering Committee developed an Alumnus of the Year award.

This year’s recipient is a graduate of the Class of 1996, Debbie Bauer, who held a leadership role for 28 years at MACCI before retiring in the spring of 2021.

“Her Leadership Marshfield Project involved recruiting more foster care homes in our community.  And that was just the start of their continued focus on partnering with others to help recognize the challenges in our community and to help solve them. Bauer helped spearhead the development of Business Bowl, Working Women Wednesday, and the Fairest of the Fair. She was actively involved in helping to develop the Wenzel Family Plaza as well as serving on the United Way Board and the Allocation Committee. A true leader in her career and in the community,” the chamber said.