On Nov. 5, Forward Janesville held its much-anticipated Annual Dinner at the Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center, and what a night it was!
Our featured speaker was Mark Johnson, a living legend in the world of hockey. Johnson is an Olympic gold-medalist as a member of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” team, an eight-time NCAA champion as head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers women’s hockey program, and a national champion player from his playing days on the Badgers men's team.
In front of more than 700 local business leaders and community influencers, Coach Johnson shared stories from his time on the ice and behind the bench — illustrating how the same principles that build a championship hockey team apply directly to building a championship business culture: leadership, teamwork, resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
If you weren’t able to attend, or simply want to revisit the evening’s energy and insights, we’ve got you covered. The full event is now available on our YouTube channel here.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2025 Annual Dinner — to our sponsors, our members, and to all the professionals who bring the spirit of collaboration and excellence to Janesville every day. Let’s carry forward the momentum of that night, and use Coach Johnson’s message as fuel for building our own gold-medal standard in business.
Thank you to our:
Presenting sponsors: ABC Supply Co. Inc.; Blain's Farm & Fleet/Blain Supply; Boomerang Home Rentals; JP Cullen; Nowlan Law; and Zilber Property Group.
Platinum sponsors: Angus-Young; Baker Tilly; Blackhawk Community Credit Union; BMO; Combs & Associates, Inc.; Janesville Sand & Gravel Co./LYCON; Johnson Financial Group, kf. Wealth Management; Lake Ridge Bank; Mercyhealth; Pieper Electric Inc.; PremierBank; Prent Corporation; R.H. Batterman; Rock Road Companies, Inc.; Ryan Incorporated Central; Townsquare Media; TRICOR Insurance; UW-Whitewater at Rock County; Whiton House.
Gold sponsors: Avondale Roofing; The Janesville Gazette; Sauk Valley Bank; SHINE Technologies.