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R. Klumb Ambassador of the Year Award
October 17, 2023
West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce Announces New Award
to be presented November 9, 2023, at Annual Awards Dinner:
The Richard Klumb Ambassador of the Year Award
The West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce (WBACC) is proud to announce the creation of a new award celebrating the volunteer work of its Ambassador Club, the Richard Klumb Ambassador of the Year Award.
West Bend, Wis. (Tuesday, October 16, 2023): The West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce (WBACC) is proud to announce the creation of a new award celebrating the volunteer work of its Ambassador Club, the Richard Klumb Ambassador of the Year Award. During the Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, November 9, 2023, the inaugural award will be presented to Mr. Richard Klumb himself.
In September of 1976, Richard Klumb, along with Allan Kieckhafer, George Prescott, John Rozek, Elmer Schwatrzburg, John Smithers, Glenn Miller, Dan Coulter, and Bill Gehl, chartered the Chamber’s Ambassador Club. The Ambassador Club was established as a public relations, booster, and goodwill organization dedicated to the greater community, focusing on activities to enhance the image of the West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce. The Ambassadors worked to create solidarity within the membership and to bring about a greater understanding among community citizens of what the Chamber stands for regarding goodwill, civic participation, recognition, and appreciation.
Forty-seven years later, Richard Klumb is still an active member of the Ambassador Club.
“Richard Klumb has been the consummate example of what it means to be a Chamber Ambassador.” Said Chamber President & CEO, Toni Gumina. “Richard not only helped to charter the club, but he believes so deeply in its mission that for forty-seven years, he has continued to promote, advocate, and spread goodwill for the businesses, non-profits, and community of West Bend. When Richard is not volunteering for the Chamber, I know I can find him volunteering for Habitat for Humanity of Washington & Dodge County or the West Bend Noon Rotary Club. He has created a legacy of volunteerism, and we are extremely proud to honor him with this award to celebrate his years of service.”
Shortly after the Club’s founding, Richard was joined by current ambassadors Nancy Mehring, a club member since 1977, and Barb Justman, a club member since 1978. Led by the example of these three outstanding Chamber and civic volunteers, Chamber Ambassadors continue the mission set forth by its charter members. “The work performed by the Ambassador Club is vital to the overall mission of the
Chamber,” said Gumina. “Moving forward, this award will be presented to an Ambassador who portrays the same spirit of dedication and service as Richard."
The West Bend Annual Awards Dinner is taking place on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the West Bend Insurance Prairie Center. The theme for the event is Wisconsin Supper Club. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite Wisconsin-themed attire and come prepared for a night of fun and celebration. To attend the awards dinner, please register online at wbachamber.org
Contact:Toni Gumina, President & CEOtoni@wbachamber.org, (262) 338-2666