As we continue to prepare for this year’s Annual Awards Banquet, we reflect on winners passed, and prepare for winners future
Best Hospitality Award: MFC Sports Complex
Most people, when they hear “hospitality” they think of hotels or restaurants. MFC Sports complex took this award in an innovative direction through not only its rentals for events and birthday parties, but also through leagues, soccer training camps, and access to world class sports training facilities. MFC time and again has brought people together through being active and the love of the beautiful game, all while delivering excellent customer service and institution.
This year’s nominees are: The Friendship Circle of Wisconsin, The Argo, MOXIE Food + Drink, Cafe Corazon, and Maxfield’s Breakfast & Brunch.
Small Business Achievement: Milwaukee Headshots
Yay! Yes! Yippee! Bill Sargent and Milwaukee Headshots is quite literally the whole package – servicing organizations all over Milwaukee proper with photography for new hires, teams, and professional headshots for any mood, background, or corporate setting. Milwaukee Headshots delivers consistent results, and always with a smile – earning them marks for achieving one of the top photography businesses in Wisconsin.
This year’s nominees are: For the People Entertainment, Open Wings Learning Community, Masso Balloons, and Milwaukee Jewish Free Loan Association.
Outstanding Customer Service: Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Customer service can span many industries, but rarely are many industries under one roof the way they are at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Bayside. By day, Schlitz is a nature center offering schools, trips, hikes, educational experiences, preservation efforts, even meet & greets with local flora and fauna native to Wisconsin. Their staff of educators, volunteers, animal caretakers, and groundskeepers, are all guided by the mission of protecting and conserving our land through education and collaboration. By night, Schlitz transforms into a top-marked event space that hosts galas, weddings, corporate events, and much more. Their staff of event professionals and more hold true to the mission and continue to show the world why Wisconsin continues to be a top destination for events, education, and more, all in one miraculous place.
This year’s nominees are: The Friendship Circle of Wisconsin, For the People Entertainment, Bank Five Nine, Milwaukee Jewish Free Loan Association, Confluence Graphics, Accessible Career Options, Van Horn Honda of Glendale, Titan Exteriors & Construction, and Z Plumberz.
Diversity & Inclusion Award: The Friendship Circle of Wisconsin
The Friendship Circle of Wisconsin is well-known for their mission to provide ample training, education, and opportunities for those with disabilities to join the workforce, and they do so much of that by operating their businesses with love, acceptance, and empowerment. Friendship Circle serves as an active bakery, cafe, and educational space for any and all peoples.
This year’s nominees are: The Friendship Circle of Wisconsin, Kids Impact Community, Bank Five Nine, and MOXIE Food + Drink.
Marketing Excellence: St. Francis Children’s Center
Daisies represent new beginnings, potential, and light. And, my personal favorite, they can grow and thrive even in the most unpredictable places. At St. Francis Children’s Center, they believe every child deserves the opportunity to bloom. The “Garden of Daisies” campaign demonstrated the power of strategic marketing, raising over $28,000 and inspiring significant community impact through its visibility and engagement.
This year’s nominees are: Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Bank Five Nine, Milwaukee Pretzel Company, and LivingWell Physical Therapy.
Young Professional of the Year: Shawn Storey, St. Francis Children’s Center
Shawn Storey is a true champion for children, families, and the North Shore community. As a leader at St. Francis Children’s Center and an active member of the North Shore Chamber, Shawn brings his passion for serving others into everything he does. A North Shore native himself, his commitment to the community runs deep, and he continues to give his time, energy, and expertise to making the place he calls home stronger and more inclusive. His leadership is a great example of what it means to not only do business in the community, but to be an active part of it.
This year’s nominees are: Sarah Marshall (Humanworks8), Jonathan Weeks (Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle), Kody Kojima (Inspiremax Marketing), Steve Thomas (Bank Five Nine), Anna Koenig (Milwaukee Jewish Free Loan Association), Jeffrey Baier (Edward Jones), Nilsa Arce (Masso Balloons), Connor Schulz (TopLine Results), and Jasmyne Bass (The Weight of Wildflowers)
Business of the Year: St. Francis Children’s Center
St. Francis Children’s Center exemplifies what it means to be a business that makes a lasting impact on its community. Through its dedication to children with disabilities and their families, the center provides crucial services while creating a more inclusive and supportive community. SFCC’s commitment extends beyond the work it does every day, with an active presence in the local business community and an investment in building connections throughout the North Shore. St. Francis Children’s Center is a deserving Business of the Year, not only for the services it provides, but for the heart, compassion, and community spirit behind them.
This year’s nominees are: Humanworks8, The Friendship Circle of Wisconsin, Camo Crew Responsible Removal, The Brick Pub & Grill, Ascension, Badger Meter, Stone Creek Coffee, and Maglio Companies.
Voting is now open for chamber members! Who do you want to see win this year?
Vote now: https://business.discoverthenorthshoremke.com/ap/Form/Fill/pR40lhML
Our 3rd Annual North Shore Chamber Annual Awards Banquet will be held on September 24th, 2026. Grab tickets now!
