July 31, 2026
The Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) hosted its 35th Annual Investor Luncheon and Awards Event on April 2 at Stone Harbor Resort and Conference Center, recognizing outstanding businesses and individuals who have contributed to the economic vitality of Door County.
DCEDC Executive Director Michelle Lawrie emphasized the importance of collaboration in fostering a thriving local economy in her presentation of DCEDC’s successes, stating, “Economic development is not just about numbers and projects—it’s about people, partnerships, and the shared vision we have for the future of Door County.”
DCEDC Board Chairman Tim Duquaine echoed this sentiment, highlighting the organization’s supporters. “Your investment in DCEDC is an investment in the economic vitality of Door County—one that strengthens businesses, supports entrepreneurs, and fosters a thriving workforce,” Duquaine said.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of DCEDC’s annual awards, recognizing individuals and businesses for their exceptional contributions to the Door County community. 2025 honorees are the following:
The Door County Youth Apprentice Award: Lexis Krause of Door County Medical Center was recognized for her exceptional leadership, adaptability, and commitment to patient care. Her passion for learning and helping others, along with her future aspirations in nursing were celebrated.
The Light Keeper Award for Women, Minority or Veteran Owned Business: Dawn Fischer of Wilkins & Olander was honored for her outstanding business dedication and service to the community. Through her business leadership and commitment to local causes, Dawn continues to uplift and inspire those around her.
The Range Lights Award for Emerging Business: Parvinder and Renuka Jandu of Jandu Petroleum were awarded for their significant impact on the local economy. Their thriving business supports Door County with quality service, and their commitment toward filling the community need for workforce housing for Door County is outstanding.
The Lighthouse Award for Established Business: Carin and Todd Stuth of Baileys Harbor Fish Company and Hickey Bros Research were recognized for their companies’ history in the agricultural industry of Door County, as well as their innovation, resilience, and community engagement. They continue a legacy of commercial fishing and support for the community.
The Lifetime Achievement Award: Al and Ingert Johnson (of Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, Butik and Stabbur) were recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their lifelong impact upon Door County. While their business is a premier destination for Door County residents and visitors alike, their dedication to their family and extended family of employees and customers is at the forefront of their legacy.
Each award was uniquely crafted by Popelka Trenchard Glass, with artist Stephanie Trenchard in attendance to present the custom-designed pieces to the honorees.
DCEDC remains committed to advancing economic development efforts through collaboration with regional, state, and national partners. With a focus on fostering innovation, supporting local businesses, and strengthening workforce opportunities, the organization looks forward to another year of growth and success.
Award videos, developed by Peninsula Filmworks, can be found on DCEDC’s YouTube Channel.
Event photos by Heidi Hodges Photography are highlighted below.
DCEDC is grateful for the event’s sponsors including Platinum sponsors Destination Door County, ERA Starr Realty, Hatco, N.E.W. Industries, Peninsula Filmworks, Sturgeon Bay Utilities, and Therma-Tron-X and Silver sponsors AT&T Wisconsin, Just In Time Corporation, Pinkert Law Firm, We Are Hope, The Employability Hub.
Check out the latest at DCEDC!
MWS Associates has leased office space in the Business Center since the inception of our company in 2018 and from 2015-2018 with the previous company that I worked for. The Business Center was the clear choice for us to locate our main office for several reasons: location, cost effectiveness, reliable high-speed internet, services offered and full access to the conference room. It truly offers everything our company needs to headquarter our business from without the hassle of owning our own office building with the maintenance, yard care and snowplowing that goes along with ownership.
A major benefit for us is the ability to host in-person and online meetings in the newly renovated, state-of-the-art conference room. COVID changed many aspects of our business with a major increase in online meetings being one of them. Many companies struggled with technology issues to host or participate in online meetings with poor audio, video quality, background noise and unprofessional business settings negatively affecting meetings. The size, layout and quality of the A/V equipment of the conference room now allows us to host annual company-wide in-person meetings as well. Every October we bring our entire staff in from around the country for weeklong meetings and the conference room comfortably allows us to host 20+ people. The setting also allows us to host on-site meetings with key accounts. Clients appreciate being able to combine a business trip with bringing their family to enjoy a few extra days to experience all Door County has to offer.
Jeff Bruemmer joined DCEDC in July of 2001. Jeff is responsible for maintaining the DCEDC Business Center, located at 185 East Walnut Street in Sturgeon Bay. Jeff was born and raised in Kewaunee and moved to Sturgeon Bay in 1985.
Kathy Lasee is responsible for the organization’s financial operations, as well as the operations of the Business Development Center in Sturgeon Bay. A Door County native, Lasee graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in music with a minor in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Lasee is a charter member of the Peninsula Symphonic Band and previously worked as a music teaching assistant for the Sturgeon Bay School District. Prior to joining DCEDC in October of 2023, Lasee was the Office Manager of Kevin’s Automotive in Sturgeon Bay. During her professional career, she also worked in the loan office at Baylake Bank (now Nicolet National Bank) in Sturgeon Bay.
Devin Vandertie enjoys working with entrepreneurs and businesses to help foster economic growth in Door County. She is also passionate about helping nurture the next generation of the community’s workforce. Devin has recently earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and is involved with Leadership Door County, which brings together professionals from diverse business sectors who are inspired to make a positive impact on the quality of life in Door County. A Door County native, Vandertie cares deeply about cultivating a community that is not only a desirable destination, but also an exceptional place to live and to work. In addition to her recent achievement of a master’s degree, Devin is a graduate of Southern Door High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Prior to joining the DCEDC staff in October of 2023, Vandertie was the Laboratory Assistant Supervisor at Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay.
Michelle Lawrie has more than twenty years of experience in economic development at regional and local levels. Michelle’s career in Washington, D.C., Arizona and Wisconsin has focused on serving the public interest through economic development, issue advocacy and coalition-building. Michelle began her economic development career at the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), in Phoenix, Arizona. After serving in several roles at GPEC, Michelle became the President and CEO of the Western Maricopa Coalition (WESTMARC) in western Maricopa County, Arizona. Michelle later also served as Economic Development / Community Development Director for the communities of Goodyear, Arizona and DeForest, Wisconsin. Michelle has extensive experience working in development of strategies and performance measures for communities and organizations, as well as leading teams toward achieving goals desired by communities, businesses and residents. Michelle is a native of Phoenix, Arizona, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.