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May 18, 2026
MANITOWOC – Progress Lakeshore recognized businesses, organizations and individuals at its 15th Annual Excellence in Economic Development Awards Breakfast – an event that organizers said highlights efforts driving growth across Manitowoc County.
Awards were presented in five categories, honoring achievements in investment, entrepreneurship, redevelopment, community enhancement and economic leadership.
The Corporate Investment Award went to ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital Lakeshore for its $30-million investment in a Cleveland inpatient rehabilitation facility, creating about 90 full-time jobs.
Bartow Builders received honorable mention.
Broken Plate Catering took home the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award for its business growth and extensive community involvement, including local sourcing, fundraising efforts and charitable meal programs.
Soaring for Success earned honorable mention.
Neighborhood Development Awards recognized The Violet Inn, Lounge & Spa in Two Rivers for restoring a 1926 building into a boutique hospitality and wellness destination, and Wenzel Properties for redeveloping the historic McKinley Building in Valders into mixed-use housing and commercial space.
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum was presented with the Community Enhancement Award for its educational outreach, preservation work and $1.5 million restoration of the USS Cobia.
Patriot Riders of America, WI Chapter 2 and Hope House of Manitowoc County received honorable mentions.
And the Economic Accelerator of the Year was awarded to David Diedrich for his decades of leadership in banking, planning, utilities and community development.
Lakeshore College received honorable mention for workforce training and program expansion.
