Monona Chamber and Economic Development, Inc. (MCED) held its annual dinner on April 17, at Tri City Golf Club near Luana. The event highlighted the past year’s accomplishments and celebrated local business milestones.
MCED is led by executive director Ardie Kuhse. The board includes president Ryan Johnson, vice president Tasha Henkes, treasurer Alissa Ruff, secretary Brandi Olson and directors Mark Fohey, Cassie Handke, Adam Jones, Ali Werger and Blake Winter.
Johnson recognized these individuals as well as city officials in attendance, stressing that “these roles take time, effort and a willingness to step up.”
According to Henkes, MCED had 60 paid memberships in the past year along with 10 recurring events. Among them, the Holiday Shop Hop tracked over $61,000 spent in Monona. A meet the candidates night held in the fall, right before the local election, also had strong community participation.
MCED assists with city-wide garage sales, plays a significant role in Monona’s summertime celebration, Hay Days, and organizes the Halloween Trunk-or-Treat, Holiday Craft and Vendor Show, a golf tournament fundraiser, farmers market from May through October and Music in Park.
“[Music in the Park] is a very popular event that’s seven weeks long. Starts in June and runs through July on Thursday night. We’ve paired that with food vendors or food trucks,” Henkes said.
New in 2025, MCED began hosting Business After 5 to bring people together at local businesses.
“This past year was about staying active, building connections and pushing forward where we could,” Henkes shared. “We maintained a strong presence with our city council and Clayton County Economic Development, ensuring Monona continued to have a voice where decisions are made. On the economic development side, we continued to work on housing opportunities, pursued grant opportunities and partnerships, ongoing conversations about grocery store solutions and downtown development, maintained communication with state and federal offices and we also focused on practical support like job board updates and direct outreach with local businesses.”
“We still have challenges with business growth and engagement,” Henkes added. “As you know, we’ve lost some businesses in town, but we’re having the right conversations and continue to move forward.”
Ten area businesses/organizations were recognized for milestone anniversary years. Celebrating five years are Center Street Bar and Grill and Kregel Electric, while Grau Funeral Home is marking 15. Franklin Street Liquor and Monona Veterinary Hospital have hit 30 years, the Froelich Foundation 40 and M’s Machine 45. Three businesses have 60 or more years in operation, with 60 for Smitty’s Oil and Tire, 65 for Community Insurance and 85 for Black Hills Energy.
The night concluded with the annual Community Service Award, which Werger presented to Mary Baumgartner.
Baumgartner has been a lifelong resident of Monona, graduating from MFL and raising her family in the community. She’s always been willing to step up and make the town better, said Werger.
“For several years now, she has taken the lead on a number of beautification efforts, especially our downtown flower planters. With support from the chamber, she plants and maintains them,” Werger said. “But it doesn’t stop there. You’ll find her hauling water from home to keep them alive, adding her own personal touches and even purchasing items out of her own pocket, never asking for anything in return.”
Baumgartner spent several years in a leadership role on the Monona Hay Days Committee, working alongside her sister Teresa. During that time, she helped grow the event through sponsorships and new ideas.
She’s also been a consistent supporter of the chamber through Trunk or Treat, Music in the Park or simply stepping in wherever things are needed, according to Werger.
Additionally, her volunteer work extends to Garden View Place, where she not only spends time with her mother-in-law, but helps decorate for the seasons and assists with resident activities.
Werger said Baumgartner is known for her baking, her generosity and ability to connect with people.
“She has a wide circle of friends, a giving spirit and a smile that shows up wherever she goes. At the end of the day, she represents what makes a community work: someone who quietly shows up, gives back and takes pride in where they live. She truly is a goodwill ambassador for Monona,” Werger noted.
Johnson said it takes ideas and effort from everyone to strengthen the community.
“People in this room stay involved, take ownership and keep pushing,” he said. “We have real opportunities ahead: housing, business growth and development. But none of this happens by waiting. It happens when people step up. Let’s keep building something we’re proud of, not just for today, but the next generation who will call Monona home.”
