Chamber unveils business, community honorees

The Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the recipients of its annual business and community honors that will be presented Tuesday, May 25, during the organization’s annual meeting and awards reception at the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center.

April Calvert, co-owner of Scrubs + Above, will be presented with the Chamber’s 2021 Outstanding Business Person award.

“Calvert has demonstrated excellence as a business owner during a demanding time in our economic environment, all while growing her connections with fellow business owners and community organizations,” Chamber representative Sarah McCraw said.

“Calvert is genuinely engaging with each person she encounters. In the last year, she has built relationships with several local, nonprofit organizations in order to plant deeper business roots in the Grafton Area.”

Calvert and her business partner Sarah Weinrich opened their business, which specializes in medical and restaurant apparel at 1540 Wisconsin Ave. in July 2019. Calvert is also a board member of the Ozaukee Family Services and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ozaukee.

The Chamber is recognizing Sahale Ale Works with the Outstanding Business of the Year Award. The microbrewery opened below the 1505 Apartments on Wisconsin Avenue in 2019.  

 
Nominator Josh Branham wrote: “Sahale Ale Works has grown into a very popular establishment in downtown Grafton, drawing many people from southeastern Wisconsin to Grafton.

“It is one of those unique places that have made local community members happy, brought new business to the community and given back to the community. Not many businesses can accomplish all that they have in the short time that they have been open.”

Assistant Police Chief Emmett Grissom will be recognized with the Outstanding Public Servant Award.  

Police Chief Jeff Caponera said Grissom “displays a high level of servant leadership and is deserving because of his devotion and commitment to serve the Grafton community for over 30 years.”

In 2019, Grissom was appointed was appointed as interim chief of police when Charles Wenten retired. Grissom was tasked to perform the duties of three people while working to re-establish and maintain the community’s trust and the department’s morale.

“It is important to the Chamber that we help to acknowledge and recognize Assistant Chief Grissom’s long-standing record of service and commitment to our community,” Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Pam King said.

“He has provided leadership and continuity for the police department in the midst of department changes and external strife. The businesses and residents of Grafton are lucky to have people like Emmett looking out for them.”

The Outstanding Community Partner Award will be given to Jeff Nelson, who has been superintendent of the Grafton School District since 2016.

School Board President Paul Lorge said, “The list of significant accomplishments and major milestones achieved during Supt. Nelson’s short tenure in the district is long indeed, but none are greater that his steadfast leadership and commitment to our students, staff and families during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.”

The Chamber’s annual meeting and awards reception will begin at 5 p.m. The event will have a cash bar and heavy appetizers and desserts. The program follows at 6 p.m.  

Admission is $30. Call the Chamber office at 377-1650 or visit www.grafton-wi.org for more details and to register for the event.