The 2011 Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony was held on February 18th, 2011 at Summit Place. The event was sponsored by QuadGraphics, AT&T, Alex Toole - State Farm, Rupena's, Rogers Memorial Hospital and Tri City National Bank.

Who is a Citizen or Business of the Year?

 Each year, the Chamber has the honor of choosing the Citizen and Business of the Year from your nominations. The Business of the Year is selected based on a number of criteria, including longevity in West Allis or West Milwaukee, growth, contribution to aid the community and community projects, and promoting the community. The Citizen of the Year is selected based their contribution to aid West Allis and/or West Milwaukee through community projects, providing professional expertise or personal talents to improve our community and engaging in civic and community activities. 

West Allis
Citizen of the Year
Shelly Strasser

Shelly works in our community at the West Allis / West Milwaukee Recreation Department.  She participates in many community events and activities.  When asked for help, Shelly is the person that will never say “I don’t think I can do that”, or “I don’t really have time”  Her answer has always been, “I will find a way to make that happen, just give me a day or two”.  Shelly was instrumental in helping us to organize and provide this year’s Christmas Parade and helps out with countless events/activities through the schools.  She comes up with ways for those less fortunate to participate and gets their expenses covered.

Shelly was born and raised in West Allis and she will always have a heart for this community.

The West Allis / West Milwaukee Recreation Department is located in the new Administration Building at 1205 S. 70th Street in West Allis.

West Milwaukee
Citizen of the Year
Gerry Ampe / Bill Hoeft

Gerry and Bill are involved in many activities in our community.  Most importantly though, they are Master Gardeners who are responsible for the centennial clock gardens located on Greenfield at Beloit road.  From seed to Harvest, they do it!  From growing to planting to maintaining the garden spring, summer and into the fall they are always there to see that we have a beautiful and picturesque site.  They both are active in many local social activities and volunteer work. 

Gerry is a volunteer at St Florian’s, Treasurer of the West Milwaukee Historical Society, and sings with the Suburban Singers. 

Bill picks up trash in the springtime, garden planting & maintaining of the corner lots at Greenfield and Beloit Road.  He plows for neighbors during the winter, mows grass in the summer.  He works at the polls on Election Day.

 West Allis
Business of the Year
Bunkers

7420 W Greenfield Avenue, West Allis, WI  53214
(414) 258-1982

Scott and Cheryl have created an environment at Bunker’s that is drawing people from all over the metro-Milwaukee area to West Allis.  Bunker’s was recently featured on a national show on the Travel Channel.  Prior to owning Bunkers on Greenfield Avenue they had a long time ownership of Bunkers @ 8031 W Greenfield Avenue.  They are an active member of the WAWM Chamber and the BID.  They contribute and participate in our events and have frequently offered to us to fundraise for our programs The Sisterhood of WAWM and Operation Family First programs at various events that they host.  They support local business owners by collaborating on marketing efforts and have contributed to the many civic events that help the WA/WM Community.

West Milwaukee
Business of the Year
Masterson Company

4023 W National Avenue , West Milwaukee, WI  53215
(414) 647-1132

The history of this company starts in 1848 with a confectionery and cracker company in Milwaukee. In 1924, construction on its seven story building on the corner of 40th and National was completed and they have called West Milwaukee home since then. The company has become well known as the developer of the first commercial hot fudge, the graham cracker pie crust, various candy products and the microwaveable ice cream sundae.

Mike Masterson represents his company as a participant in Choose Milwaukee, a group that promotes businesses located in the Milwaukee area. The Masterson family remains committed to remaining in West Milwaukee, supporting the surrounding area as an employer of choice. With their continued growth focus, they are a company where employees can express ideas, make a difference and build their future.  There workplace emphasizes integrity and ethics. They are customer-focused, continually looking to innovate and enhance their products and services. Their success is enabled by the commitment and dedication of their 150 employees.

Masterson has a long history of giving back to local communities through the financial support of its foundation and the volunteer commitment of their employees. They recognize that volunteering provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen both their employees and the local communities. They are proud that their employees are generous with their time, talent and energy to numerous nonprofit organizations.  They support programs in education, social services and leadership development.

2010 Lifetime Achievement Award
Ron Ziolecki

For twenty-one years Ron coordinated the Candy Cane Lane program that has raised more than $1.2 million dollars for pediatric cancer research. Ron worked on the program year round.  This included him personally contacting West Allis business owners requesting donations. He kept the program fresh with new ideas including ice sculptures created by artisans led by the Captain of the Nagano Olympics Ice Sculpting team; a giant tree adorned with lights seen from the Interstate several miles away; and a stroll among the lights led by West Allis natives and Olympic Gold Medalists Dan Jansen and Bonnie Blair. Area fire fighters, Tripoli Shrine animals, clowns and Vietnam veterans all have added fun and excitement to Candy Cane Lane as well. In the month of December it was more than a full time job. He was up at the break of day making sure everything was in order for the evenings activities and was out on the street collecting donations for the MACC Fund until almost midnight in bitterly cold temperatures. Ron had to step down as coordinator of the program on the advice of his doctor.  A committee of neighbors was formed to continue the tradition and Ron is still available to help, giving his time, suggestions and advice.

2010 Community Partner Award
State Representative
Anthony Staskunas

For his fourteen years of service representing the residents and businesses of West Allis and West Milwaukee at the state level.  This legislator worked to keep Wisconsin strong by supporting job-creating legislation and fighting against proposals that hurt businesses, workers and their families.  He represented West Allis/West Milwaukee on committee assignments which included the Public Safety Committee (Chair), Assembly Organization, Criminal Justice, Energy and Utilities, Joint Legislative Council and the Assembly Rules Committee.  He also serves on the Board of Directors for the State Fair Park and the Wisconsin Exposition Center.