Thank you to our Chamber businesses below for their sponsorship of this event!

North Star Mohican Casino Resort, Menominee Casino Resort, Cellcom, Charter Aarrowcast, Ho-Chunk Gaming Wittenberg, Kersten Accounting & Tax, Marion Body Works, Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats, Strive Behavioral Solutions, Twig’s Beverages & AbbyBank
 

Pictured Above (L to R) - Paul Knoll, Tim Tumanic, Parker Tumanic

JR Machine has been named the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce Manufacturer of the Year.
 
Located at 1355 Beauprey Rd. in Shawano’s Industrial Park, JR Machine manufactures parts and provides some assembly services for about 50 original equipment manufacturers around the country - including space exploration, hydraulics, fire protection, building security, snow plows, heavy equipment, oil, gas, defense, and pumps for fracking, among others.
 
JR Machine has grown rapidly since 1992 when Tim Tumanic bought the company from his stepfather. At that time, it was a small shop in a rented stall at the Chevrolet dealer in Shawano.
 
“I started it with about $700 in the checkbook and a $30,000 loan,” he recalled.
 
The company moved to its current location on Beauprey Road in 1994 and started out with only 2,500 square feet of space. Since then, JR Machine has completed multiple expansion projects, including its most recent that added 10,000 square feet in 2019. JR Machine now has 30,000 square feet for its operations.
 
Precision machining of nickel-based superalloys has enabled JR Machine to grow rapidly. Nickel-based superalloys, like Inconel, are strong, corrosion-resistant metals that are used in many industries. They are known for their high strength at high temperature resistance, and are widely used in rocket engine components.  This new capability has driven space exploration to JR Machine’s number one market and they now support all of the major space launch companies.
 
A partnership was formed between JR Machine and Schneider Resources Holding (SRH) last year. JR Machine now has a majority of its equity held by SRH, a family-owned private investor. Tim Tumanic and son Parker Tumanic still maintain their leadership roles and ownership positions. In May 2024, JR Machine welcomed Paul Knoll as Chief Executive Officer, a seasoned professional with an extensive background in manufacturing and engineering.
 
“We keep our skills sharp with ongoing training and development,” said Knoll. “Every other year, we attend a trade show as a team to see first-hand the latest technology trends that are shaping our industry.”
 
JR Machine works closely with the Shawano and Bonduel High School trades programs.
Investing about $100,000 in each school, JR Machine installed CNC mills and CNC lathes at Shawano High School in 2012 and Bonduel High School in 2018. Additionally, JR Machine supports both programs annually with tools and books.
 
The upgrades not only allowed students to learn how to use CNC equipment, but also increased the school's opportunities, such as providing dual credit classes with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Several local company and organization partnerships also assisted with financial support; including the Shawano County Job Center Board, which purchased the school’s SolidWorks software that’s used with the CNC equipment from JR Machine.
 
“We strongly believe in working with our educators to help foster future leaders in the trades fields,” Parker Tumanic added.
 
JR Machine remains committed to Shawano and surrounding communities, with a longstanding history of support spanning over 30 years. The company contributes to the Boys & Girls Club of Shawano, the Shawano County Fair, Shawano Speedway, as well as annual Thanksgiving food drives.
 
The company has 48 full-time employees, all of whom receive a competitive benefit package including a 401k match and health care contribution. A quarterly gain share program allows all employees to receive a company profit share bonus, and a referral program offers a $2500 bonus after 90 days to newly hired individuals and the employee who referred them.
 
“We are also working to create a personalized training program for all new employees that do not have any machining experience to gain knowledge more quickly and become familiar with the trade at an easier pace for them,” Knoll added.

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El Tequila of Shawano has been recognized as the 2024 Small Business of the Year by the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce.

The restaurant, located at 1240 E. Green Bay Street has been a popular dining spot since opening in 2014. Owner Sergio Hernandez, 42,  runs the restaurant with help from his wife, Perla. They own El Tequila locations in Shawano, Antigo, and New London.
 
Hernandez’ family operated a small Chicago eatery, so he grew up in the restaurant industry. He would help out there as a child, becoming more involved in the business as the years went by.
 
“My dad taught me everything I know,” he said, noting that he had a goal as a teen to one day start his own restaurant chain.
 
However, the recession of the late 2000s left him with difficulties finding financing options. He decided to look at potential locations outside of the Chicago area, later founding his first location in the former Hardee’s building in Antigo in 2010. Hernandez’ father is currently working at that location.
 
Most recently, Hernandez opened El Jefe in the former Seasons Restaurant in Shawano in 2023, followed by a food truck last year. Hernandez said he’s open to ideas for possible future expansion in Shawano’s downtown district.
 
Chris Caldwell of the College of Menominee Nation nominated the business for the honor. Caldwell noted that their new food truck business has been a welcome addition to the area.
 
“They allow for more businesses and employees to have timely lunch breaks, especially serving the country and outer areas of Shawano and Menominee (Counties),” he said. “They make a big impact with their service and local support.”
 
El Tequila has supported local communities and groups in a multitude of ways, including fundraising support for local sports in the area such as Menominee Youth Baseball and the Shawano Hockey Teams - to name a few. They’ve also supported Shawano and Menominee County first responders and emergency personnel by offering free meals.
 
“I like to help out when and where I can,” Sergio said.
 
All three of Sergio and Perla’s sons - Cristian, Mateo and Julian - have helped out with the business. There are 22 employees - most full-time - between both Shawano restaurants and the food truck.
 
Sergio was surprised to learn of the honor.
 
“It left me speechless,” he said. “I’m humbled to be nominated and selected for such an honor.”
 
When asked what he likes the most about the business, Sergio said it’s the people - both employees and customers.
 
“We have fun here - we are always laughing and having a good time,” he exclaimed. “Growing up in a bigger city, I miss that atmosphere, but the people of Shawano and the surrounding communities have made me feel welcome.”

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Twig’s Beverage has been part of the community for more than seven decades, with plans to be part for many more. The company has been honored as the 2024 Business of the Year Award by the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce.

The soda bottler is unique – they’re the only one in the country that bottles Sun Drop in a returnable glass bottle.
“Sun-Drop and other flavors bottled in returnable glass helps Twig’s to create a unique product and market,” said president Dan Hartwig.

Founded in 1951, Twig's Beverage began with Dan's parents, Floyd and Valda Hartwig. During his service in the Korean War, Floyd sent his military paychecks home to his mother to purchase glass bottles. Upon returning to Shawano, Floyd and his softball buddies started up a bottling plant. Floyd, or “Twig” as he was known around town, purchased land at 711 S. Washington Street in Shawano. He began what would carry on as a tradition in the surrounding area of Wisconsin.

Whenever Floyd sold a case of soda, he would buy his wife and family a loaf of bread with the money he made. In keeping with this simple upbringing, Floyd would combine the ingredients for his soft drink recipes using an axe handle. Earlier brands offered by Twig’s Beverage included Bullseye Rootbeer and Goody Orange. Sun-Drop didn't reach the Shawano area until 1953 when Charles Lazier - the creator of the citrus-flavored drink - asked Floyd to sell and distribute his product.

“In the 1950’s, many bottlers competed in the local arena. There were two other bottlers in Shawano, and around 60 in all of Wisconsin,” Hartwig said. “Many of those companies have gone out of business since then. However, Twig’s has always stuck around.”

Dan and his wife Diane decided to take over the company in 1986 after Floyd's health deteriorated. In 1995 the company expanded and began distributing Sun-Drop, Crush, Sunkist, and other drinks to all of Northeastern Wisconsin and the Upper Michigan area.

Twig’s opened a retail store and museum in 2014, along with the addition of a new non-returnable bottling line to offer their own soda flavors. A second returnable bottling line was added in 2024. Within the last two years, the company purchased two new fillers, a product blender, a washer, a state-of-the-art mixing room, coders and cappers, and labeling equipment.

“I love the creative side of this business,” said Hartwig, noting Twig’s now offers 18 soda flavors - some of which include Black Cherry, Rhu-Berry (a rhubarb strawberry blend), and Butterscotch Root Beer - all packaged in 12-oz glass bottles. A 19th flavor, Diet Cola, comes out later this year. A push for healthier beverage choices also inspired Twig's to create “Twig's Fizz,” a carbonated seltzer which will be more widely available in the coming year.

The business has become a family legacy. Dan and Diane’s three sons - Lucas, Jacob and Ben - have all been part of the business throughout the years. Currently, Dan serves as president while son Ben is vice-president. Diane recently retired from her bookkeeping role after 34 years. Twig’s operates with 26 employees - 16 full-time and 10 part-time.

The co-packing aspect of Twig's remains steady with prospective growth expected once Twig's becomes SQF (Safe Quality Food) certified, a process that began in 2024.

“SQF certification and implementation ensures safety and quality,” said vice president Ben Hartwig. “The improvements that will follow include an increase in environmental monitoring including microbiological testing, heightened facility security, vendor approval policies, and more.”

While staying competitive in the beverage market is the most significant issue facing the company, the success of the small-town company has been proven.
“We aim to increase sales by 3 percent annually, and we typically reach that goal every year,” said Dan Hartwig. “Adding distributors throughout Wisconsin over the years who provide Sundrop and Twig's flavors to customers out of the immediate Shawano area is also a sign of Twig's growth.”

Twig’s has consistently supported the Shawano community as well as surrounding communities in multiple ways. Through donations of merchandise, soft drink products, and monetary means, Twig’s has helped with the organization of many charity events, fundraisers, and nonprofit events - including Jaime Lee and the Golden Girl/Golden Boy contest, as well as the summer community festival known as “Sundrop Dayz.”

Throughout the year, Twig's strives to maintain employee motivation and morale by offering bonuses, wage increases, and staff celebrations. Most importantly, Dan said that people and relationships are the heart of the business.

“Happy employees make for happy customers,” he said. “Our family’s success story lives on because of our loyal customers, our hard-working employees, and our faith in God. There are many situations where I think the business may not have made it this far. God put us in this position for a reason, and we always remember that.”

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Selfless service is defined as the act of helping others without expecting anything in return. U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Dennis Bohm said it is generous acts like this that can have a positive impact on the world.
 
For nearly two decades, Bohm provided transportation for veterans to VA clinics located in Appleton, Green Bay, and Milwaukee. He made his final trip this past fall, having taken more than 2,430 veterans to their medical appointments and tallying more than 237,000 miles as a volunteer driver for DAV Wisconsin. Bohm’s service totals more than 8,400 hours, which equates to nearly one full year. He’s even kept in touch with several of the veterans he’s connected with through the years of service.
 
“Prior to the DAV program, there was a group of us that drove veterans to appointments and the county compensated for the mileage,” Bohm said. “Our only payment was a thank you and that’s all we expected. We are fellow veterans and that’s why we do it.”
 
Bohm, 85, of Shawano, began his service to our country by reporting to Marine Boot Camp one month after his graduation from Bonduel High School in May 1957.
 
Dennis served three years active duty in the United States Marines - serving two years and four months on a U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier doing security and intelligence work. He made three trips across the Pacific Ocean - marking every island and country that touched the Pacific and beyond.
 
After his discharge from active duty, Bohm married his wife of 63 years, a Shawano girl named Carol Shannon. They raised their family and bought their now permanent home by Shawano. Bohm operated a local painting service for 35 years. Upon retirement he knew he wanted to continue to help fellow veterans, so he helped out by driving them to appointments.
 
Bohm received several nominations for the Distinguished Citizen honor.
 
“Dennis has dedicated every day of his entire life to helping out the citizens of Shawano County in any way he can,” wrote Greg Stezenski. “To this day you can find Dennis leading his fellow veterans in parades and military ceremonies and MC at many events every year.”
 
He has devoted numerous hours to the solemn duty of participating in honor guard duties at the funerals of fellow service members, including the presentation of the flag to the widows of veterans.
 
“Dennis is a modest, yet exemplary role model for his dedication and enthusiasm in serving the United States of America, the State of Wisconsin, Shawano County and City,” wrote nominator Joe Skaleski. “It would be hard to find someone more committed and dependable in their service to others through his volunteering efforts.”
 
Bohm holds lifelong membership in the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, and AMVETS. Additionally, he is an associated member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Bohm served as the AMVETS commander for seven years and currently holds the position of American Legion chaplain.
 
Bohm said he’s always excited to see a new generation of community volunteers, especially witnessing young people in the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and 4-H groups.
 
“They really are doing a lot of wonderful service for the community,” he said.
 
Bohm’s community involvement extends beyond veterans’ organizations, as he also took on the role of opening night speaker at the recent Shawano County Fair and served as the honor guard commander, responsible for posting the colors on the fair’s opening night. Bohm said he enjoys being on the go.
 
“I like to stay busy - I enjoy it,” he said. “I’ve done these things for the community and fellow veterans - never expecting any awards. I always enjoy veterans and what they’re doing for our community. Veterans never give up.”

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saYPro (Shawano Area Young Professionals) is the young professionals group for ages 21-39 in the Shawano County area. This includes professionals that live in or work in the Shawano County area.
 
Steenbock, originally from Clintonville, is employed at Thedacare in Shawano and was recently promoted to the position of diagnostic imaging manager. Prior to that, she served as the clinic manager for three years. She was nominated for the honor by Maggie Bohm, Administrative Assistant at ThedaCare in Shawano.
 
“Ashley is an amazing leader in the clinic,” said Bohm. “She never thinks twice about stepping in to the work and helping the Medical Assistants out if they are short staffed or to cover lunches. She is humble, kind, and sees issues from all angles before making a decision.”
 
Steenbock, 35, graduated from Clintonville High School in 2008. She continued her education at UW-Milwaukee, obtaining a bachelor's degree in health science with an emphasis in radiology. During her time at UW-M, she also minored in health care administration.
 
“Ashley strives to grow herself in her career and personally,” Bohm said. “She always looks for more education opportunities and learning opportunities, whether it be seminars, trainings, or podcasts and books.”
 
That desire to learn led Steenbock to join Leadership Shawano County (LSC) - a group dedicated to cultivating current and future leaders - where she helped develop the Hometown Heroes banners seen on Main Street in Shawano. Hometown Heroes has since become an entity with its own board of directors, of which Steenbock is a member.
 
Steenbock joined saYPro last year, whose mission is to empower young professionals to reach their personal and professional goals. Following her participation with LSC, she recently joined the steering committee.
 
“I joined saYPro as I was eager to build relationships and collaborate with others,” she said. “By joining the (LSC) steering committee, I’m able to continue my involvement in the community and support the development of new leaders.”
 
Steenbock resides in Shawano with husband Tyler and their two sons, Hudson and Jackson. Steenbock enjoys traveling, baking, reading, and spending time with friends and family. She is active in the Shawano and Clintonville communities, looking for opportunities to support non-profit organizations and fundraising efforts.
 
“Treating everyone fairly is a big part of who she is and she holds her employees to a high standard, while also guiding them and supporting them to be the best they can be,” Bohm added.
 
saYPro is for those who exemplify strong morals and ethics and are engaged in a career for personal growth; those who strive for continued personal and career related growth achieved by experience, education, and positive relationships. This is the third year for the Outstanding Young Professional award.
 
“Ashley skillfully balances her career goals with a strong commitment to our community,” said saYPro President Sam Sperberg. “Working alongside her on two non-profit boards, I’ve seen her dedication and passion for making a meaningful impact. On behalf of the saYPro steering committee, we are honored to congratulate Ashley.”
 
Steenbock expressed her gratitude for all who’ve been involved in her journey, as their encouragement and support have been instrumental to her success.
 
“It is such an honor and privilege to be the recipient of this award,” Steenbock said. “This award is not only a recognition of my accomplishments, but also a reflection of the incredible mentors and teammates who have stood by me.”
 
– If you are between the ages of 21 and 39, live and/or work in the Shawano County area and and are interested in joining the group, please contact Sperberg at saypro13@gmail.com

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Thanks to Nathan Falk for writing these feature stories.