Eagle River Chamber of Commerce names 2024 award recipients

The Eagle River Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of its 2024 Business, Man, Woman and Volunteer of the Year awards at an annual banquet on Thursday, Dec. 12.
Nominees of the award can be of any age but must live and be active in the Eagle River area and must have contributed outstanding service to the community within the past five years. Nominees are only to be selected once.
To nominate a business, a business must have been standing for at least three years and be involved in the community.
Nominees/winners were selected by a 350-member Chamber board.
For more information about these awards, contact the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce at info@eagleriver.org or 715-479-6400, or by visiting their website at https://eagleriver.org/.

Business of the Year

The Northwoods Children’s Museum was selected as the recipient of the 2024 Business of the Year award.
The museum was recognized by the chamber for being one of the smallest children’s museums continuing to operate in a low-populated area for almost 26 years, providing a family-friendly community space and introducing new programming despite small staff, a 33% increase in total revenue in January and February during the area’s turbulent 2024 winter season, the museum’s 26 hands-on interactive educational exhibits, a year-round hosting of educational programming and community events, building partnerships with area businesses, accomplishments of securing significant grant funding to maintain the museum building, active support of the community, and assisting in providing programming needs to local organizations such as Feed Our Rural Kids (FORK) and Foster Families, as well as other organizations.
“To be the Business of the Year was such a heartwarming honor,” said museum Executive Director Danielle Larsen. “We want to grow, encourage and teach play to all the children in our surrounding community. What greater reward than to receive this award, reassuring us that we are working for the greater good of our community.”

Man of the Year

Lou Deditz was named the 2024 Man of the Year, being recognized as a “compassionate, community-oriented individual, truly devoted to uplifting those around him” by the Chamber.
Deditz was born, raised and lives in Eagle River. He has a daughter, Nicole, and supportive friend Heather Kangas.
Deditz has eight years of experience in custom painting and business management. He started his own property and caretaking company, specializing in custom painting and staining in 2023, and currently staffs three full-time and one part-time employee.
Deditz’s friends describe him as being “100% dependable, loyal, humble and a quiet leader. He is passionate for his community and those with special needs, as well as having a passion for our servicemen and women and veterans alike.”
He is also very giving of his time and talents, shared Kangas, and he is always busy helping someone with something.

“I take care of the house and Lou takes care of the community,” she said.
For 15 years Deditz has been an active volunteer with Northern Access Special Olympics — bringing management support and the program to the community for those with special needs.
He has also been an assistant with many Chamber events such as The National Championship Musky Open, Cranberry Fest, and putting up and taking down Christmas lights. He has also assisted with small building repairs and now sits on the Building Committee at the Chamber to look at remodeling efforts.
Along with being named 2024 Man of the Year, Deditz was awarded the 2024 Volunteer of the Year award by the Chamber.

Woman of the Year

Described by the Chamber as “passionate, devoted, hardworking and remarkably giving of her time,” Janlee Goska was announced as the 2024 Woman of the Year.
Born and raised in Eagle River, Goska has been married to her husband Gary for 42 years. Together, they have raised four sons and have three grandchildren, with one more on the way in April.
During Goska’s professional career, she was a substitute teacher and cleaned cottages in the area. In her free time, she enjoys stamping.
Goska has been active with the Vilas County Food Pantry for over 13 years as Food Director. In her role, she ensures that the pantry shelves are well-stocked, ordering needed items, picking those items up, and inventorying stock for shelves as needed.
“Janlee Goska is a true inspiration — a person who continues to give and expects nothing in return,” said Eagle River Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kim Emerson. “Her selfless dedication to enhancing the well-being of our community is nothing short of remarkable.”