VARC Honored with Legacy Award at La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting

VARC Leadership Team receiving the Legacy Award on behalf of the organization at the La Crosse Chamber's Annual Meeting.

La Crosse, WI – A prestigious Legacy Award was conferred on the VARC organization during the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Meeting on March 3. With over 650 guests in attendance, the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce marked a significant and exciting milestone for VARC as the organization celebrated its 50th anniversary on March 28.

VARC's leadership team was in attendance for the honor, and President | CEO Elizabeth Filter accepted the award on behalf of the organization. "We are incredibly grateful to the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce for this recognition," said Filter. "It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and the support of our community."

As the organization reflects on its own growth, there is much to be proud of and grateful for. VARC humbly started in 1975, serving six clients with disabilities in a church basement in Viroqua, Wisconsin—today, VARC serves over 1,000 individuals across Wisconsin, with operations spanning 13 total locations. VARC also seized their moment at the podium to pay tribute to the legacies and strong influences of their first leaders, Tony Ugo and Dawn Simonson. "As we step into our 50th year, we remember Tony's visionary leadership and Dawn's compassionate guidance, which indeed will continue to lead us well into the future," remarked Filter.

As Past President of the Board of the La Crosse Chamber of Commerce, Filter remarked on a successful last year for the La Crosse-area business community and expressed excitement for the momentum ahead. The future looks bright for the community of La Crosse, and it's a privilege for VARC to face what's ahead with our fellows from the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce.