Sauk County Leadership Award

SAUK COUNTY INSTITUTE OF LEADERSHIP ACCEPTING AWARD NOMINATIONS

Do you know someone who has made a difference in the Sauk County Community? If so, the Sauk County Institute of Leadership Board is now accepting nominations for the fourth annual Sauk County Leadership Award. The award recognizes individuals who have exemplified leadership skills that benefited local communities. Taking time to reflect on a local leader you know could help give them the recognition for their hard work and dedication they deserve.

To nominate someone, download a nomination form. Nomination forms also are available at the Chamber of Commerce Offices in Baraboo, Sauk Prairie and Reedsburg. Send completed forms to: jennifer.erickson@ces.uwex.edu or mail to: Leadership Award, Sauk County UWEX, 505 Broadway, Baraboo, WI 53913. Nominations must be received by March 31, 2009. The successful candidate will be presented with the leadership award at the May 20 Sauk County Board meeting.

The SCIL Board oversees the development and implementation of an annual course designed to develop and nurture emerging local leaders through awareness and understanding of issues facing Sauk County.

The first annual leadership award was presented to Roger Shanks in 2005 . Roger was a former Sauk County Board Supervisor and a founding member of 1000 Friends and the Baraboo Ranger Preservation Protection Program. He was also heavily involved in the Conservation Congress and the Nature Conservancy. Roger passed away in October of 2004 so his wife, Cindy received the award on his behalf.

In 2006 the Sauk County Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Anthony Kujawa.  Dr. Kujawa was recognized for his outstanding contribution to improving the Sauk County community by spearheading the effort to develop a hospice facility at St. Clare Hospital that serves the needs of the terminally ill in Sauk County and their loved ones.

The 2007 Sauk County Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Robert Mortimore. Dr. Mortimore was recognized for his outstanding contributions to improving the Sauk County community by his 30 plus years of health care and civic leadership in the Reedsburg and greater Sauk County area. He is acclaimed to be a great mentor and always supportive of personal growth.

There was no winner awarded in 2008, however, the 2009 Sauk County Leadership Award was presented to Joe Van Berkel.   Joe was recognized for his dedication towards the preservation of Sauk County’s natural resources. His nominators claim, “One of the most impressive things about Joe is that not only does one find Joe at his desk organizing and planning, but one is even more likely to find him participating in his own programs and enjoying the land that he is working so hard to preserve.”

Joe Van Berkel, center, is presented the Sauk County Leadership Award by Buddy Huffaker who nominated him and Terri Langer, SCIL Executive Board President