CBA recognizes local business owners with 2026 awards

The Coloma Business Association (CBA) held its semi-annual meeting on Oct. 26 in the Coloma Community Center. This was a time for businesses to meet and greet, tell others of current and future plans, and create opportunities for businesses to work together. At the meeting, Ashley Podoll, the president, presented two awards for 2026. The recipients were voted on by CBA members.
This year’s winner’s included: Volunteers of the Year: Alan & Shelly Anckner and Business of the Year: Peggie Dischler and Brittni Sparks. Also included in the Business of the Year Award was Al Bock, who was unable to attend but felt honored to receive the award.
Alan & Shelly Anckner are both very active in Coloma. Alan is a member of the Coloma Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Park Board and Cemetery Board, and president of the Coloma Pathfinders Snowmobile/Silent Sports Club. He can often be found working in Coloma or attending meetings. Shelly is a member of the Coloma Lions, the park board, and the snowmobile club. Both are active in all aspects of Coloma. Their daughter and son-in-law live in Coloma along with their four grandchildren. The entire family has dedicated itself to making Coloma a better place to live and can be seen volunteering at many events.
The Cabin Bar & Grill burned down this year and was a huge loss to the community. It was a mainstay of Coloma where people gathered to meet friends, grab a meal, or just find out the news of the day. The building had stood in Coloma since the late 1800’s. Over the years, the building had been a church and a hardware store before it became a restaurant. Al Bock was the owner of the building and had built the business into the meeting place it had become. Peggie Dischler was the current operator and had worked at the Cabin in some capacity since she was 17. Both Al and Peggie had been invited for the award. Unfortunately, Al was unable to attend. The Cabin was a big supporter of all Coloma activities and a sponsor of many of the events held in Coloma.
In addition to the awards, representatives from National Exchange Bank (Carissa Keys and Travis Immel) and the Waushara Chamber of Commerce Director (Lori Alguire) made presentations to the audience. A potluck was enjoyed, and Christmas in Coloma (which will be held Saturday, Dec. 5) and joint advertising opportunities in local guides were discussed.
Membership in the CBA is open to any local business that wants to be part of the Coloma family. Membership runs from May to May. For more information, contact Ashley Podoll, president and owner of Uniquely Yours. The next semi-annual meeting will be in May.