Who is a Citizen or Business of the Year?

 Each year, the Chamber has the honor of choosing the Citizen and Business of the Year from your nominations. The Business of the Year is selected based on a number of criteria, including longevity in West Allis or West Milwaukee, growth, contribution to aid the community and community projects, and promoting the community. The Citizen of the Year is selected based their contribution to aid West Allis and/or West Milwaukee through community projects, providing professional expertise or personal talents to improve our community and engaging in civic and community activities. 

2009 Citizen of the Year for West Allis
Donald Falk

When we think about the saying “he’s the kind of guy who will give you the shirt off his back”, we think of Don Falk. Don maintains a long history of participation, volunteerism and leadership within our community.  A few of which are:

· Board Member of:  CAAD, WA/WM Chamber, Downtown WA Business Improvement District and Downtown West Allis Inc.
· Member of many committees, leading the Promotions Committee for the BID, chairing the West Allis Ala Carte, committee member of the Classic Car Show, golf committee for the Chamber.
· Member of the Knights of Columbus, Eucharistic Minister and Reader at St. Aloysius Parish and State Representative for his bowling league. He has been a WA Business Owner for Many years.

Don spearheaded the WA Ala Carte event in June of 2008, orchestrated all phases from inception through completion, assembled a team of volunteers who shared his passion and embraced the event.  This event estimated a crowd at approximately 1500 people.  This event was a huge success and is instrumental in promoting the businesses in Downtown West Allis.

Don is currently spear heading another initiative, which is to save our beloved West Allis Xmas, parade.  When the WA Charities announced that they could no longer afford to put on the parade Don immediately began to bring together a committee to bring it back in 2010.

Don exemplifies the criteria of this recognition through his longevity in the community and his contributions to aid both citizens and businesses in the community through projects and engaging in civic activities that promote our residents and businesses.

2009 Citizen of the Year for West Milwaukee

Edie Wurcer

Edie Wurcer exemplifies the highest ideals of volunteerism through selfless service to the community, her church and her family.  She has devoted countless hours of hard work and dedication to the community.

        ·  She is an active member of the Centennial Committee, involved in the planning and participation of that event since 2006.

        · A member of the West Milwaukee Lion’s Club.

        · A member of the West Milwaukee Historical Society.

        · A very dynamic member of St. Florian’s Parish, where she now serves on the Planning Committee for their
     Centennial to be celebrated in 2011.

        · Is a retired beautician whose shop was located in the Village for over 57 years.

 Edie Wurcer and her passed husband Harry still had time to devote to their family of two sons and one daughter, their love and dedication, which was a first priority.

Business of the Year for West Allis

National City now a part of PNC

 National City bank has been an integral part of the Chamber and our community since their acquisition of Mid-America bank in 2007. Beyond everyday great customer service and satisfaction, National City bank and their staff have been dedicated to improving the West Allis community. These are only a few of the examples that show National City’s involvement.

 Steven Kirst, National City Branch Manager helped form and chair the
Welcome to the Community Committee.  He is on the Ambassador committee and is a vital part of the Forks and Corks committee.

Michael Phillips, National City representative, is a long-time member and current chair of the West Allis / West Milwaukee Chamber of
Commerce Board of Directors.

National City has sponsored Forks and Corks for two years. Their
volunteers are crucial to the event.  Without their support, the
Chamber would not be able to hold this event.

Beyond West Allis, National City has made commitments all over the
Milwaukee area including the Milwaukee County Zoo, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Betty Brinn Children’s Museum and many others.

The employees at National City are dedicated to the community and there attitude and business practices should be recognized as a standard in West Allis that all businesses should strive for.

West Milwaukee Business of the Year

McDonald’s

 McDonald’s Restaurant on Miller Park Way has been a committed member of our restaurant community since February of 2002; and throughout the past 8 years has shown a propensity of generosity in helping out in the local community.  They have assisted in the Village annual Clean Up Day by supplying coffee and refreshments to volunteers and by offering meal coupons to be redeemed for lunch.  They have supplied orange juice and coffee for the West Milwaukee Golden Ager’s Christmas Party, The West Milwaukee Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast, and the West Milwaukee Historical Society’s annual ice cream social.

All of these donations certainly would not take place except for the current general manager of the restaurant, Ms. Sandy Dominiczak and her capable assistants who are always “at the ready” if we call.