Hartland, WI — February 26, 2026 — The Hartland Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated local business leaders, volunteers, and community champions at its annual Kudos Awards, held at The Delafield Hotel. The evening highlighted the outstanding individuals and organizations who contribute to the vitality of the Hartland area, with the highest honor of the night — the Lifetime Achievement Award — presented to Dave Lamerand.
Lamerand was recognized for his decades of dedicated public service and lasting impact on the Village of Hartland community. He began his service as a Village Trustee before going on to serve an extraordinary 26 years as Village President, helping guide the growth and development of Hartland with steady leadership and a deep commitment to putting the community first.
In addition to his public service, Lamerand was the owner of D.C.L. Financial Consulting in downtown Hartland, where he advised businesses — including grocery stores such as Sentry — on sound financial decision-making. His work strengthened both individual businesses and the broader local economy.
Even in recent years, Lamerand has continued his service, contributing his time to the DelaHart Commission, where he helped guide important infrastructure decisions. Known for his humility and sense of humor, he often joked about the role, saying, “It’s a crappy job, but someone has got to do it.”
“Dave’s leadership has shaped Hartland in ways that will be felt for generations,” said Elise Miller, Executive Director of the Chamber. “He represents the very best of community service — leading with integrity, humility, and always putting others first.”
The evening also recognized outstanding award recipients across multiple categories:
2026 Kudos Awards Honorees & Nominees
New Chamber Business of the Year
Winner: Jump Joy Athletics
Nominees: Ravenrock Healing Arts; True Forward Coaching; Westrock Residences
Heart of Hartland
Winner: Lake Country Caring
Nominees: Deb Nollen – Area Welcome/Mary Kay; Jake Zuehl
Helping Hands Award
Winner: Miranda Weston – The Art of Life – Photography
Nominees: Arrowhead Student Volunteers; Department of Public Works
Board Member of the Year
Winner: Scott Heyerdahl
Nominees: Maggie Meylor; Mary Ebert
Ambassador of the Year
Winner: Kim Weber
Nominees: Amanda Drott; Mike Gogin
School Champion of the Year
Winner: Donna Andorfer – North Lake School
Nominees: Adam Kurth – Arrowhead High School; Ellie Wilkie – Hartland Lakeside School; Jamie Blank – Hartland Lakeside School
Small Business of the Year
Winner: Tabi’s Lake Country
Nominees: Red Circle Inn; State Farm – Mike Gogin
Large Business of the Year
Winner: Bank Five Nine
Nominees: Diversified Benefit Services, Inc.; Keller Williams Lake Country
Lifetime Achievement Award
Recipient: Dave Lamerand
The Chamber also recognized outgoing leadership for their service:
- Outgoing Board Members: Elise Miller – Lake Country Bed Barn; Deb Nollen – Area Welcome/Mary Kay
- Outgoing Board Chair: Scott Heyerdahl – First Weber
The Kudos Awards serve as an annual celebration of the Chamber’s mission to educate, enhance, and connect the Hartland community, bringing together business leaders and residents to recognize those making a meaningful difference.
