Something rare and something brand new were among the highlights at the Door County Economic Development Corporation Annual Meeting held in Sturgeon Bay on Wednesday.

John Asher, who has worked at Roen Salvage since he was a teenager working in the family business since he was 16, and has been involved in other efforts throughout the county, including the Door County Maritime Museum, was given the lifetime achievement award. He became the fourth business owner to earn the award since 1978.  On the opposite spectrum, Southern Door senior Sophia Counard received the inaugural Door County Youth Apprentice scholarship award because of her work at Destination Sturgeon Bay. Amy LaBott received the Light Keeper Award for a woman, minority, or veteran-owned business as the operator of the county’s two Ace Hardware stores in Sister Bay and Sturgeon Bay. Just In Time Corporation, a Sturgeon Bay-based manufacturer, received the Lighthouse Established Business of the Year Award, while Peter Gentry of One Barrel Brewing Company was honored with the Range Light Award for emerging business.

“DCEDC is delighted to recognize the outstanding contributions of these individuals and organizations to the Door County community," said Michelle Lawrie, Executive Director of DCEDC. "The stories of this year's award winners are a source of inspiration for our organization's Board of Directors, staff and investors toward DCEDC’s mission to enhance the economy and quality of life in Door County."

MORE ABOUT THE WINNERS

Sophia Counard – Youth Apprentice of the Year
Sophia Counard, a senior at Southern Door High School, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the DCEDC Board of Directors as Youth Apprentice of the Year for her work at Destination Sturgeon Bay. Her first experience as a Youth Apprentice, Sophia quickly learned to manage key community events, such as the Moo-La-La three-week holiday shopping promotion. Filling a key role on the Destination Sturgeon Bay team, Sophia has exceeded all expectations. Sophia will be attending UW-Stevens Point in the fall of 2024.
 

Amy LaBott, Door County Hardware – Women, Minority or Veteran Owned Business of the Year
Following in the footsteps of her grandfather, father and uncle, Amy LaBott has taken the reins at Door County Hardware, making it her own. Over the past two years she has not only expanded her business in a new location, but rejuvenated her former location into leasable spaces in the heart of Sturgeon Bay and taken over a new location in Sister Bay. Amy is also deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, including a partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
 

One Barrel Brewing Company – Emerging Business of the Year
Peter Gentry started brewing beer with a home brew kit he bought for his father, and opened his first small brewery in Madison in 2012. In just five years, Peter and his wife Jennifer have made One Barrel Brewing Company a staple, year-round destination in Egg Harbor. Now calling Sturgeon Bay home, the Gentry’s are heavily involved in the community where they are raising their two children and are ambassadors for everything Door County.
 

Just In Time Corporation – Established Business of the Year
Operating now for more than three decades, Just In Time Corporation began in the corner of Rick Jeanquart’s garage. Even in the face of such growth, their customer-centric model remains at the core of the business. Led by Rick and his three children – Collin, Chis and Melanie – Just In Time Corporation serves a varieties of industries in Door County, including Original Equipment Manufacturers, Maritime and Food Service industries.
 

John Roen Asher – Lifetime Achievement
John Roen Asher has committed more than 50 years to his company, Roen Salvage Company, and to the Door County Community. John’s dedication has positioned Roen Salvage Company as one of the premier marine construction companies on the Great Lakes. Involved with dozens of charitable organizations throughout his life in
Door County, John has played a role in in many Door County nonprofit projects. John has served on the Board of the Door County Maritime Museum for 31 years, playing an instrumental role in fundraising for the new 10-story Maritime Tower at the Museum.
 

Picture from Door County Economic Development Corporation