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Awards Luncheon

The 2026 Forward Janesville Awards Luncheon will be held April 22 at the Holiday Inn & Janesville Conference Center.

 

Register here to secure your table or seat today!

 

The 2026 honorees are:

  • Kate Kuhl, HealthNet of Rock County (Emerging Leader Award, sponsored by BMO): Awarded to a young professional who has excelled in their profession, demonstrated professional competency and integrity, and exhibits the attributes and ability to become a future leader. 
  • Rick Mueller, Jax Custom Printing (Community Improvement Award, sponsored by PremierBank): Awarded to a business or individual who has demonstrated exemplary contributions to the growth and well-being of the community. 
  • Fritz Elsen and John Zimmerman, School District of Janesville (Educators of the Year, sponsored by Blackhawk Technical College): Awarded to an individual or group who has actively encouraged partnerships between the business and education communities. 
  • Amanda Stefl, Timber Hill Winery (Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by First National Bank and Trust): Awarded to an individual who has exemplified leadership and the entrepreneurial spirit in making their ideas, and ultimately their business, successful. The nominee must be the owner/operator of a business enterprise with less than 50 employees. 
  • Avondale Roofing (Business of the Year, 50 or fewer employees, sponsored by Nowlan Law): Awarded to a business that recognizes that business success and community involvement go hand in hand. The award recognizes the exemplary customer service, product knowledge, community support, and professionalism that make their business a success and a great asset to the community. 
  • United Alloy (Business of the Year, 50+ employees, sponsored by Johnson Financial Group): Awarded to a business that recognizes that business success and community involvement are two vital components of a business strategy. The award recognizes the exemplary customer service, product knowledge, community support, and professionalism that make their business a success and an asset to the community. 
  • Project 16:49 (Diversity Award, sponsored by Minuteman Press): Awarded to a business or individual that has shown exemplary contributions in implementing policies, procedures, and/or programs that enhance diversity in the Janesville community.
  • Andy Jones, MercyCare Health Plans (Ambassador Award, sponsored by Boomerang Home Rentals): Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exemplary representation of the business community.  This individual has been a positive public relations liaison for FJI at ribbon cuttings, special events, and networking sessions. They  have also been involved in extra committee work and projects. 
  • Tanner Voss, BMO (Advocacy Award, sponsored by JNB Signs): Awarded to an individual who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the business community to advocate for and/or voice its needs throughout the community & at all levels of government. 
  • Quint and Rishy Studer (Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by JP Cullen): Honors an individual who has made a measurable difference in our community. Janesville is a better place because the honoree of the Lifetime Achievement Award has been active and engaged in initiatives that embrace the idea of community commitment.

 

Register here to secure your table or seat today!

 

 

Established in 2002, Forward Janesville's Annual Awards Luncheon recognizes and honors the businesses, organizations, and individuals that have made a positive impact in our community.

Click here to view a list of past winners.

 

Thank You To Our Awards Luncheon Sponsors