Four to receive Chamber honors

Three area businesses and a non-profit organization will be honored with
awards at the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Monday, March 4, 2024 at Ho-
Chunk Gaming in Black River Falls.
Falls Meat Service will receive the 2023 Business of the Year Award (less than 20 employees),
Scholze Ace Home Center will receive the 2023 Business of the Year Award (more than 20
employees), McSweets Irish Pub will receive the 2023 Emerging Business of the Year Award (open in
our area 5 years or less) and #WillPProject will receive the 2023 Service Organization Award. The
winners were chosen by the Chamber Ambassadors group and the Chamber Annual Dinner
Committee after a review of the nominations.
Falls Meat Service, awarded for its exceptional contribution to the community, boasts over 45 years of
experience as a full-service butcher. State-Inspected and recently remodeled, their impact extends
beyond the storefront, with products in over 45 local stores and restaurants. The business, known for
its culinary cornerstone status, has diversified its offerings with Sow Belly’s BBQ Food Trailer and
daily lunch specials.
Other nominees for the Business of the Year Award (less than 20 employees) were Coldwell Banker,
Reflections on Water and Cell.Plus.
Scholze Ace Home Center, started in 1976 and the product and service offerings of Scholze Ace
Home Center are nothing short of extensive. As an Ace Hardware Store, they provide our community
with a vast array of quality products. Their offerings include a complete lumber yard, rental
department, garden center, bicycle repair, lock rekeying, pipe cutting and threading, glass and screen
repair, and even serve as a UPS drop-off location. It’s not just a hardware store; it’s a hub for diverse
needs, making them an indispensable asset to our community. Their 40-year legacy, commitment to
excellence, and genuine care for their team and community make them not just worthy recipients of
this award but an inspiration to us all. Their community contributions reflect a dedication to service,
supporting local schools, events, and various fundraisers.
Other nominees for the Business of the Year Award (more than 20 employees) were Black River
Memorial Hospital, Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls, Children’s Wisconsin and Land O’Lakes.
McSweets Irish Pub, Established in 2019, quickly became a beloved spot in the Black River area.
Beyond the typical offerings of an Irish Pub, McSweet’s has exceeded expectations in the most profound way during challenging times. The pub played an important role during the search for
missing persons, offering a warm and welcoming space for search and rescue teams to regroup. In
those difficult moments, McSweet’s stood as a beacon of support and community strength.
It’s not just about the challenges; McSweet’s has proven to be a place of joy and celebration. With
frequent live entertainment, special events, and a unique space for various occasions, McSweet’s has
become a hub for creating memories and fostering connections. From class reunions to birthday
parties and celebrations of life, McSweets has become an integral part of our community’s social
tapestry.

Other nominees for the Emerging Business of the Year Award were Beautiful You Make This.
WillPProject was formed in 2020 and stands as a beacon of hope, promoting mental health awareness with its impactful motto “Stop.Think.Live.” #WillPProject has been a source of support for
those facing mental health challenges and is a simple reminder to STOP before you do anything you
can’t take back. THINK reminds us to think about those who love us, to remember that there is always
hope, and to think about tomorrow as being another day we can live. LIVE reminds us to choose life
every time. Even when we feel despair, there is hope. Choose life. Beyond unique fundraisers, their
Cancer Warrior Service, suicide prevention training, and community giveaways touch lives. Born from
personal loss, #WillPProject’s commitment to normalizing mental health conversations and offering
support makes it a genuine force for good.
Other nominees for the Service Organization Award were Merrillan Lion’s Club, Friends of the Black
River, Black River Falls Figure Skating Club and the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa
Valley- Lunda Center.
The Chamber’s Annual Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour, 6:30 p.m. dinner and 7:30 p.m.
the program begins. A Silent Auction and 50/50 Raffle will also take place.