PRESIDENT’S AWARD A DEDICATED AWARD FOR A DEDICATED MEMBER

BY AMANDA WEGNER

In introducing this year’s President’s Award winner, Keith Kern, TLW president and owner of Jimmy’s Sal oon in Superior, summarized Judy Vandenhouten’s longheld commitment to the organization: “There is no doubt this person bleeds Tavern League red.”

A Sixth District director, president of the Kewaunee County Tavern League and owner of Houterville Station in Kewaunee, Vandenhouten and her husband, Hout, first got involved with the Tavern League in 1994 after Ken Braun and John Berg reorganized the Kewaunee league. It was then that Vandenhouten learned what the TLW stood for.

Vandenhouten explains, “I wanted to be a part of an organization that looks out for its members and tries its best to make their businesses succeed.”

Fast-forward a few years to 2001, when Vandenhouten was first elected to the Tavern League state board.

“I learned a great deal from the many members I have met on the board and try to bring my best to what needs to be done,” says Vandenhouten. “I was appointed to the Auction Committee at that time and worked for chairman Pete Olson. Working with him was the best thing I could have done to learn what was needed to handle my current position.”

Tavern League auctions are a success for the organization thanks to Vandenhouten, as Kern mentioned in his speech: “This woman is one of the strongest, wellrespected people you could ever meet. She is a catalyst for this league and one of the direct reasons this league is so successful today.”

Vandenhouten appreciates the trust others have in her to run the auctions. “I appreciate the donors for leaving it up to me to decide whether an item is for the silent auction or live auction. Most of the time, this decision is evident, but there are times when a choice has to be made,” Vandenhouten explains.

When asked about her favorite memories over her nearly 30 years with the Tavern League, Vandenhouten says that they are so plentiful, it is difficult to choose. But she adds that personally meeting convention speakers, including former Packers football players Paul Hornung and Fuzzy Thurston, former Brewers baseball player Robin Yount, and former Badgers football coach and athletic director Barry Alvarez, are highlights. “Every memory is special in its own way,” says Vandenhouten.

And winning the President’s Award will surely be another special memory, particularly since she wasn’t expecting it. “I was so shocked when I received this award that it has taken some time for me to accept the fact that what I do at these conventions makes a difference and is of importance to the Tavern League,” says Judy. “I am most humbled.”

But there’s also more work to be done — and she is more than willing to do her part.

She also calls on others to take up the charge. “New leadership is always needed and I try my best to get members, especially new members, involved to help this association grow and prosper,” says Vandenhouten. “We must always be aware of what is going on in Madison. Step up and do what you can to help.” TLW