The Fox Cities Chamber has announced its Lifetime Achievement Award recipients who will be honored Jan. 20 at Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort Hotel in Neenah.
The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are:
ATHENA Leadership Award – Given to a woman who has achieved the highest level of professional excellence.
This year’s recipient is Dawn Ruchala – Senior Manager, Community Engagement, U.S. Venture. For the past 11 years, she has led the U.S. Venture Open, raising $44 million to help end poverty and supporting $50 million in grants through the Basic Needs Giving Partnership, now an independent nonprofit where she serves as Board Chair.
Gus A. Zuehlke Distinguished Service Award – Named in honor of Gus A. Zuehlke, a past Chairman of the Board of the Fox Cities Chamber, to honor an individual who has made outstanding contributions through leadership in business and service during his/her years as a chamber member.
This year’s recipient is Kim Underhill – Group President North America – Retired/ Senior Advisor/ Executive Coach, Kimberly Clark/Boston Consulting Group/The Next Chapter, LLC. Underhill built a global career over 33 years with Kimberly-Clark, beginning as an engineer and ultimately returning to Neenah to lead the company’s North American business. Since retiring in 2021, Underhill has focused her energy on developing leaders across both corporate and nonprofit organizations, following her passion for uplifting others and strengthening local communities.
Joyce Bytof Exceptional Mentor Award – Goes to an individual who is proactive in the advancement of others by sharing time, talent and business experience for the purposes of promoting growth and opportunity in the Fox Cities community.
This year’s recipient is Sharon Hulce – President/CEO, Employment Resource Group Inc. Hulce is a nationally recognized leader in executive search with 30 years of experience guiding companies toward exceptional leadership talent. She has earned numerous accolades including the Athena Leadership Award, Titan100 Hall of Fame, the Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year, and the Walt Rugland Community Service Award. She has served on 17 nonprofit boards throughout the region and leads numerous pro-bono searches for organizations that strengthen Northeast Wisconsin.
Business Leader Hall of Fame – Is presented to an individual or individuals who have demonstrated personal and business success and are role models for future generations.
This year’s recipient is Rich Batley – President/Owner, RB Hospitality. Batley’s nearly 60-year career in hospitality began in his family’s small Menasha grocery store. After working his way up from dishwasher to chef, he joined Bergstrom Hotels and spent 21 years growing into Vice President of Hotel Operations, overseeing multiple properties and gaining the mentorship that shaped his business philosophy. Following the sale of the hotels, Batley founded RB Hospitality and helped create several regional landmarks, including the CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel in Appleton and the award-winning Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort Hotel & Conference Center in Neenah. A lifelong Fox Cities resident, he has also served the community through the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau, United Way, the American Red Cross, the Sexual Assault Crisis Center, the EXPO committee, and numerous charitable project
Legacy Award – Honors a distinguished member whose long-standing leadership has strengthened the Fox Cities region and the community we serve.
This year’s recipient is John F. Bergstrom – Executive Chairman, Bergstrom Automotive. Bergstrom has spent more than five decades shaping one of the nation’s most respected automotive groups. From beginning as a small bar and restaurant in Neenah, Bergstrom and his family built a 40-location automotive dealership network representing every major volume brand sold in America. His leadership has earned national recognition, including being named a Top 25 large-company CEO by Glassdoor, features in the Wall Street Journal, the Arthur Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” award, and honorary doctorates from both Lawrence University and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Bergstrom has also devoted more than 200 combined years to service on Fortune 500 and nonprofit boards, including Kimberly-Clark, Wisconsin Energy, Associated Bank, and the Green Bay Packers, becoming the longest-serving board member in Kimberly-Clark’s 150-year history. His community leadership has helped advance major regional projects such as the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, ThedaCare hospitals, the Trout Museum of Art, and the Boys & Girls Clubs.
For more information and to register, visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/JGY/.
