Winners of the Inaugural Wisconsin Governor’s Outdoor Industry Awards Recognized at June Event

Ending Great Outdoors Month on a high note, the Wisconsin Governor’s Office and the Office of Outdoor Recreation celebrated the first group of Wisconsin Governor’s Outdoor Industry Award nominees and winners! In recognition of exceptional achievement, seven individuals and organizations received the inaugural awards for their contributions to Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation industry.

Launched earlier this year, the Governor’s Outdoor Industry Awards honor the outstanding accomplishments that drive economic impact and elevate the profile of Wisconsin’s thriving outdoor industry and of the state as a top outdoor recreation destination. Across seven categories, 75 nominations were received for individuals, businesses, organizations and destinations.

View the full list of nominees

Here’s a look at the 2025 Wisconsin Governor’s Outdoor Industry Award winners.

Destination of the Year – Wisconsin State Park System

Some of Wisconsin’s most incredible outdoor recreation assets and natural features are found in one of Wisconsin’s many state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas. To celebrate its 125th anniversary, the park system is hosting events, celebrations and opportunities to get more people outside this year. Learn more about the Wisconsin State Park System in our feature article from the June 2025 Wisconsin Outside.

Outdoor Business of the Year – Adventure Outfitters, LLC.

The philosophy of Adventure Outfitters, LLC has always been to help people access the outdoors with confidence and comfort. It is a place where staff act not just as sales associates, but as trusted guides, consultants and educators. Whether someone stops in to ask about trail conditions or needs help fitting a helmet, staff treat every interaction as a chance to get someone out on a bike, board or boat. They also consistently invest in community-scale improvements that extend far beyond their own footprint, strengthening the accessibility of outdoor recreation for everyone. And, Adventure Outfitters provides ongoing service to local tourism and recreation boards in the Waupaca area, speaking to a long-standing and genuine commitment to the region’s well-being—economically, environmentally and culturally.

Trailblazer - Bill Menke, retired, volunteer

Bill Menke came to Wisconsin in 1991 to serve as the National Park Service manager for the 4,800-mile North Country National Scenic Trail. Upon retirement in 2020, Bill went to work part-time for the North Country Trail Association as a Regional Trail Coordinator while continuing to volunteer with the group that became the Wisconsin Roving Trail Crew. Bill’s dedication to the North Country Trail in Wisconsin has resulted in 82 miles of quality hiking trail built since 1996, and over 6,300 volunteer hours logged. Bill has also trained and mentored staff and volunteers over the years. Bill’s leadership has set Wisconsin up as a model for trail development, partnerships and promotion of sustainable trail use. As a resident of Dodgeville, Bill also volunteers with the Driftless Area Land Conservancy. Bill’s visionary leadership has blazed literal and figurative trails for Wisconsin over the past 30 years.

Big Tent - Bill Bertram, Marathon County Outdoor Recreation Advocate

Bill Bertram’s passionate leadership has created a welcoming outdoor recreation environment in Greater Wausau and beyond. He has been instrumental in elevating outdoor recreation as more than a pastime and utilizing it as a community-building endeavor with opportunities for all. Bill is a key organizer of events in Marathon County and several land and water trail projects, including the Great Pinery Heritage Waterway, which just received the National Recreation Trail designation. Bill approaches every event and initiative with a focus on community, personal encouragement and removing barriers to participation – truly creating a bigger tent for all.

First Ascent for Innovation — Boulder Junction Parks and Recreation Board: The Glide

With the installation of Wisconsin’s first outdoor skating ribbon, the Boulder Junction Parks and Recreation Board’s The Glide was a true innovation for Wisconsin’s winter economy! The Glide is completely free and maintained by volunteers.

Rising Star - Kennedy Domerchie, Outdoors Development Manager, Visit Eau Claire

In her three years working for Visit Eau Claire, Kennedy Domerchie has built partnerships across the state to elevate the outdoor opportunities in Eau Claire. She’s helped rally an eight-county network around a shared mission to strengthen outdoor infrastructure and build a more inclusive, accessible outdoor economy. Using outdoor recreation as a vehicle, she works hard to create the vibrant community and thriving economy she knows is possible.

Tandem Award for Collaboration - The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin’s Field Trip Program

The Field Trip Program, organized by Christine Tanzer and Kim Kreitinger, is all about partnerships. The program reaches over 5,000 people annually, offering 250+ trips connecting people to Wisconsin's outdoors. More than 125 partners from across the state lead nature-based outings, which encompass all types of environmental, nature and outdoor-related topics, from paddling and birdwatching to forest bathing, rock climbing and much more.

Wisconsin’s outdoor economy thrives because of the people who work in this industry. This year’s slate of nominees and winners is a testament to the extraordinary passion, dedication and creativity that flow like a strong current through this industry. Congratulations, and thank you, to all the innovators, collaborators, trailblazers and rising stars who work every day to elevate Wisconsin's outdoors.

2025 Inaugural Awards Photo Gallery

Find photos of you, your team, friends and colleagues here. Downloading photos is free with the pin 5826. Thank you to Sharon Vanorny at SV Heart Photography for capturing these moments from the first-ever Wisconsin Governor's Outdoor Industry Awards.