Forward Janesville - TheReport - Second Quarter 2020

Congratulations FJI Award & Grant Winners! Each year in January, Forward Janesville honors member businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions that positively impact our past, present, and future. Nominations are broken into nine categories and nominees are brought forth by business peers for final selection by the Awards Selection Committee. The 19th Annual Awards Luncheon, held on January 23, 2020, and sponsored by RSM US LLP, once again paid tribute to nine new winners and drew 440 guests to celebrate the good works and accomplishments their peers. In addition to the Awards Program, the Forward Janesville Ambassadors recognized and publically awarded grant funds to local non-profits. The grant program was founded in 2015 by the Ambassadors to support and advance the education, cultural, and economic interests of the community in which they work and live. It is financed entirely through individual Ambassador donations. Photos courtesy of: Megan O'Leary Photography (L to R): Congressman Bryan Steil, Kathy & Steve Dean (Mocha Moment), Skip Bliss (Bliss Communications), Mark Finnegan (VetsRoll), David de Leon (Alliant Energy), Michael Gilbertson (The Developing Edge), Nathan Burkart (Janesville Performing Arts Center), Jennifer White (Data Dimensions), Linda Ross (Leadership Development Academy of Rock County), Kari & Shawn Reents (Velvet & Tulle), David Bagley (RSM US LLP) Lifetime Achievement Skip Bliss Bliss Communications Sponsor: BMO Harris Bank Emerging Leader Nathan Burkart Janesville Performing Arts Center Sponsor: Minuteman Press Ambassador of the Year Jennifer White Data Dimensions Sponsor: Boomerang Home Rentals Volunteer of the Year Michael Gilbertson The Developing Edge Sponsor: Mercyhealth Educator of the Year Leadership Development Academy of Rock County Sponsor: Blackhawk Bank Entrepreneur of the Year Kari & Shawn Reents Velvet & Tulle Boutique Sponsor: First National Bank & Trust Community Improvement VetsRoll Sponsor: Blackhawk Community Credit Union Business of the Year (50 or less employees) Mocha Moment Sponsor: Nowlan & Mouat, LLP Business of the Year (50 or more employees) Alliant Energy Sponsor: Johnson Financial Group 2019 Ambassador Grant Recipients Grant winners and programs supported: Mercyhealth Development Foundation “Keys to Good Tenancy,” YWCA Rock County A VP Shelter Children’s Playroom , Blackhawk Technical College “Coins for Caring,” Community Action of Rock and Walworth Counties Community Kids Learning Center Scholarship Program , GIFTS Men’s Shelter “Verbal Judo.” 12 • W W W . F O R W A R D J A N E S V I L L E . C O M