Chamber recognizes projects and people during annual meeting

KENOSHA — The Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a sold-out annual meeting Oct. 15 at The Club at Strawberry Creek, where it highlighted new developments and recognized community members.

Four sites received beautification awards: Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, Kenosha Public Library Kids@Uptown Lofts, the Kenosha Mural Project and Hansen Park Beer Garden.

Kelly Armstrong, president of Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, delivered the keynote address.

The 107-acre site, which hosted a grand-opening this month, has been a site of innovation since the 1900s, she said.

By 1902, Kenosha was home to the second automotive manufacturing plant in the United States and there were once more than 14,000 employees at the AMC and Chrysler plants where the Innovation Neighborhood is located.

“A big piece of our mission is building out that entrepreneur ecosystem,” Armstrong said.

The space is reflective of that vision, with several spots designated for impromptu meetings for businesses.

“The building itself is very architecturally unique,” Armstrong said. “I think the glass, all of the light, is amazing and it’s just conducive to creating collaboration and conversation.”

Armstrong said that the Innovation Neighborhood is a great opportunity for people to try out ideas before implementing them on a wider scale.

“Being an individual business owner can be a very isolating journey, and we want to make sure that people know they have a great support system in Kenosha,” she said.

Updates, scholarship awards

Chamber President Dave Strash also shared information about the organization’s most recent fiscal year. Currently, there are 706 members and membership dues generate 49% of the chamber’s revenue.

During the past year, the organization hosted 46 events, awarded $14,500 in scholarships and added 70 new members.

“You guys can have a Chamber of Commerce without me, but I can’t have a chamber without you, and without all of our members,” Strash said. “We appreciate all that the chamber has been for 109 years.”

Several students also were awarded scholarships at the annual meeting, and All Saint’s Catholic School was named the Best Place to Work in Kenosha.

Brooke Kreuser was selected as Chamber Ambassador of the Year, and Strash recognized Tom Oglivie, a chamber member who unexpectedly passed away few weeks ago.

New technology

The chamber also announced its newest assistant.

Kenny the chat bot, which was developed by Southport AI & Automation, is now live on the on the organization’s website to provide members with instant referrals and support.