12 | FORWARD JANESVILLE Forward Janesville hosted its 2025 Annual Awards Luncheon, presented by RSM, on April 9 at the Holiday Inn – Janesville Conference Center, drawing a packed house to celebrate the outstanding individuals and organizations for their efforts in 2024 and for making a lasting impact in our community. This year’s honorees represented leadership, innovation and service across diverse industries. Steven Genin, left, of Angus-Young received the Emerging Leader Award, sponsored by BMO Bank. The Community Improvement Award, sponsored by Mercyhealth, went to the Leadership Development Academy for its continued commitment to empowering future leaders. “When I reflect on the impact LDA has made, I realize it’s not just about the projects we’ve completed over 20-plus years, it’s about the relationships we’ve built and the positive changes we’ve brought to our community together,” said Jamie Karns, Executive Director of LDA. “The growth of our community improvement efforts is a direct result of the collective energy and passion of our participants, alumni, organizations, and businesses who have supported us from the very beginning.” Greg Phillips of Blackhawk Technical College was named Educator of the Year, sponsored by UW-Whitewater at Rock County. Kelsey Paasch of Contour Consulting, right, received Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by First National Bank & Trust. And Clover Family Services, right, received the Diversity Award, sponsored by Minuteman Press. Lori Johnson of the Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau was honored as Ambassador of the Year, sponsored by Boomerang Home Rentals. Johnson celebrated an impressive 30 years of being an FJI Ambassador. “I have met many businesses, new and established, made many friends, have learned a lot and of course laughed a lot,” Johnson said. “As a reminder, member businesses have the ability for one of their staff to become an Ambassador. It is well worth it, so please consider having a representative from your company join the Ambassador program.” Dave Holterman of First Community Bank received the Advocacy Award for his leadership efforts in Forward Janesville’s “Keep Kids Learning” campaign. “As part of a 2024 Forward Janesville Board retreat, we created the framework for ‘Keep Kids Learning.’ It represented an effort to help ensure our two local school districts, Milton and Janesville, would continue to have access to critical funding,” Holterman said in his speech. “I became chair of that effort and I’m grateful for the foundational knowledge that I gained through my involvement at Blackhawk Technical College, UW-Whitewater and the Milton School Board. “Access to quality education is critical. For us as a community, it’s the key to attracting and sustaining the jobs of the future. As an individual, it’s the key to obtaining a family-supporting career. Because of this, it has and will remain a focus for everyone connected to Forward Janesville.” This year’s Businesses of the Year were A Glo Spa & Salon (under 50 employees) and Boucher Automotive Group (more than 50 employees). The event concluded with Mark & Kathy Bush, right, who were presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. "Hearing the award winners speak was incredibly inspiring,” said Shar Hermanson, President and CEO of Forward Janesville. “Each story reminded me why our community is so special—driven by passionate people who lead with purpose and truly make a difference. It was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we support one another." Congratulations to all the 2025 award recipients and thanks to our sponsors! Celebrating Excellence at the 2025 Forward Janesville Awards Luncheon
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