Originally published in the Cedarburg News Graphic on November 4, 2025
The Mequon-Thiensville Chamber of Commerce held its annual Celebrate Your Community Awards dinner Oct. 23 at the Watermark at Shully’s in Thiensville, where residents got to hear their stories and learn about their many contributions in the community.
The event recognizes businesses and individuals who make an outstanding impact on the community through exceptional leadership, support and involvement. Mid-State Insurance was acknowledged as Business of the Year; Wendy Francour was recognized as Citizen of the Year; Lori Lorenz received the Distinguished Service Award; and Angelica Niemann was named the Next Generation Leadership recipient.
Below are excerpts from each winner’s nomination: Mid-State Insurance Founded in 1986, Mid-State Insurance has been helping businesses protect their capital and financial assets through flexible, personalized insurance and risk management programs. It opened its first office in Shorewood and by 1989, had grown into a fullservice agency offering property and casualty insurance.
It relocated to Mequon in 1995. Joe Labarbera is its owner.
The business’ community involvement includes sponsoring area events and organizations such as Downtown Thiensville’s Eats & Beats concerts and Family Fun Before the 4th, as well as hosting an Annual Holiday Give-Back event, where it collects toys, toiletries, gift cards and other essentials for families served by Advocates of Ozaukee.
It was also named one of Milwaukee’s Best Places to Work in 2024 by the Milwaukee Business Journal, “With nearly four decades of trusted service and growth, a strong culture of leadership and a genuine passion for giving back, Mid-State Insurance continues to make a lasting impact. The Mequon-Thiensville Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate the team behind this remarkable business and honor their many contributions to our community,” the chamber wrote.
Wendy Francour According to the chamber, Francour has been a dedicated advocate for the Mequon-Thiensville community, contributing thousands of hours to initiatives that strengthen the place she proudly calls home. She has served 11 years on the Mequon-Thiensville School Board, where she has held several key roles including vice president, clerk and treasurer, and she currently serves as chair of the policy committee.
Beyond the School Board, Francour was involved in leadership roles for the Mequon-Thiensville Education Foundation, chairing key committees and cochairing major fundraising efforts. The chamber notes that she was instrumental in helping to raise $97,000 for the school district during a period of reduced state funding.
“What sets Wendy apart is how she chooses to serve. She is known for her diplomacy, open-mindedness and steady optimism. Her collaborative spirit is a hallmark of her approach. By working closely with city officials and engaging with the community through School Board office hours, retirement communities, places of worship, and local centers, she ensures that all voices are heard and all students are well-prepared for future success,” the chamber said.
Lori Lorenz Lorenz joined the Mequon-Thiensville Community Foundation in 2017 as co-treasurer and since serving as its president since 2021, she has expanded the foundation’s reach to include Thiensville, launched the Legacy Club for major donors, formed an Advisory Board that is now six leaders strong, and strengthened volunteer participation through new committees focused on communications, events and finance, according to the chamber.
In 2023, she brought together MTCF donors and grantee organizations for a first-of-its-kind appreciation event that created new connections and inspired deeper engagement. Its success led to a larger-scale version during MTCF’s 25th anniversary celebration in 2024.
In addition, she is a founding board member of Rise and Shine Music Series, Inc., and currently serves on its executive board. She is also a board member and assistant treasurer of Impact 100 Greater Milwaukee and an advisor to the Friends of Jonathan Clark House Museum.
“Lori is guided by a simple principle: when she sees a need, she steps in to help. ‘We all have the ability to help, and we’re here on this earth to make it a better place,’ she says. That belief is the foundation of her lifelong commitment to giving back,” the chamber wrote.
Angelica Niemann Described by the chamber as a standout professional and dedicated community advocate, Niemann has served as the marketing manager at Spectrum Investment Advisors since 2022, managing key event partnerships with the Mequon-Thiensville Chamber, Chamber Young Professionals and Ozaukee Economic Development.
Outside of this role, she serves on the Ozaukee County Jail Literacy Program Board, coordinates communitywide veteran thank-you campaigns for Stars and Stripes Honor Flight and is the public image chair for Rotary International District 6270, leading a marketing team that supports 57 clubs.
She is also a former Miss Wisconsin Volunteer and an active member of the Mequon-Thiensville Chamber Young Professionals Board, where she organizes popular wellness events such as hot yoga socials and mental health programs.
In 2024, she was recognized with the Daughters of the American Revolution Community Service and Rotary’s Service Above Self awards.
“Angelica Niemann exemplifies the qualities of the Next Generation Leadership Award. Her passion, integrity, and dedication continue to shape a stronger, more connected community. We are proud to recognize her achievements and look forward to her continued impact across Ozaukee County,” the chamber added.
