Ziegler adds to accolades with Chamber’s top recognition

It’s been quite a year for Laurie Ziegler, owner of Sass Accounting, who will be recognized by the Saukville Chamber of Commerce as Individual of the Year.

“I was not expecting the award at all and I was very surprised,” she said. “It’s really nice to be recognized for the contributions my company and I have made to this community.”  

Ziegler, a former resident of Saukville who now lives in Fredonia, said the award is usually reserved for current residents. 

“Originally, the award was called Citizen of the Year, but the Chamber felt if someone didn’t live in Saukville but was deserving of the recognition it didn’t matter, which I felt was very powerful,” she said.

This year marks her 25th year in business and she was recognized a couple weeks ago in Madison at the 2018 Governor’s Trailblazer Awards Ceremony for being a female business owner along with 16 other women. 

The Chamber will hold its dinner and awards ceremony on Monday, June 4, at Messina Restaurant & Lounge. Also being recognized at the event will be former police Chief Jeff Goetz for Outstanding Government Achievement, Dawgs in Motion for Business of the Year and the Landt-Thiel American Legion Auxiliary Unit 470 for Organization of the Year.

Goetz retired from the Police Department on May 18 after 33 years of service, the last five as chief.

“Chief Goetz has dedicated his career to keeping Saukville and its residents safe,” Chamber Executive Director Mike Cosgrove said. “He has a passion for mentoring young officers, which will ensure his great legacy will live on even after his well-deserved retirement.” 

According to Cosgrove, the American Legion Auxiliary is being recognized for organizing events like its annual rummage sale and Harvest Moon Dance, and for supporting veterans and local charities.

“Receiving this award acknowledges the fact that the community is aware of our work and dedication to our mission. The mission of service, not self,” said Auxiliary Chaplain Mary Ellen Race. “We are passionate about patriotism, responsible citizenship, advocacy for veterans, the military and their families, and educating our schoolchildren.” 

 Last fall, Dawgs in Motion underwent an expansion that nearly doubled its original space. The addition included extra office space, a lounge for customers and three outside play areas, two of them sheltered by a roof. 

The cornerstone of the addition is dedicated to owner Sue Richison’s parents, who helped her start the business in 2008.

“More than a doggy daycare, Dawgs in Motion offers a full array of wellness and training services for pups,” Cosgrove said. “They are on the cutting edge of animal care and have recently invested in a great expansion at their location in Saukville.”