Forward Janesville’s Annual Awards Luncheon is an opportunity to celebrate the people, businesses and organizations making a meaningful impact in our community. This year’s event was no exception.
Before taking the stage to be recognized during the 2026 Awards Luncheon on April 22, several of this year’s honorees joined us on the red carpet to reflect on their work, their passion for Janesville and what this recognition means to them.
From entrepreneurs and educators to community advocates and business leaders, each honoree shared a common theme: a deep commitment to strengthening our community and helping others succeed.
Established in 2002, Forward Janesville’s Annual Awards Luncheon recognizes and honors businesses, organizations and individuals who have made a positive impact on our community. This year’s celebration brought together business leaders, community partners, educators, entrepreneurs, and advocates for an afternoon centered on leadership, service, and community impact.
Our 2026 honorees included:
- Advocacy Award — Tanner Voss, BMO Bank
- Ambassador of the Year — Andy Jones, MercyCare Health Plans
- Business of the Year (50 or fewer employees) — Avondale Roofing
- Business of the Year (50+ employees) — United Alloy
- Community Improvement Award — Rick Mueller, Jax Printing
- Diversity Award — Project 16:49
- Educators of the Year — John Zimmerman and Fritz Elsen, Janesville Business Academy
- Entrepreneur of the Year — Amanda Stefl, Timber Hill Winery
- Lifetime Achievement Award — Quint and Rishy Studer
Thank You To Our Awards Luncheon Sponsors
- Lead Sponsor: Baker Tilly
- Award Sponsors: BMO, JNB Signs, Boomerang Home Rentals, PremierBank, First National Bank and Trust Company, Minuteman Press, Nowlan Law, Johnson Financial Group, Blackhawk Technical College and JP Cullen
- Silver Sponsors: KleenMark, Massas Investments, Mercyhealth, and The Janesville Gazette
We are grateful to all of our attendees, sponsors, partners, and volunteers who helped make this year’s event such a success. Most importantly, congratulations again to our honorees for the lasting impact they continue to make across Janesville and Rock County.
Stay tuned as we continue sharing photos, highlights and individual spotlights from this year’s Awards Luncheon celebration.