By Clint Wolf
Beloit Daily News Editor

2/28/07 

Former ‘Cheers' star John Ratzenberger speaks about development, hands-on jobs

A crowd of about 600 guests, a former mall that was converted to a convention center and a national television star were the highlights of the 80th Annual Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce Dinner Tuesday.

The dinner had a new location this year - in the center court of the former Beloit Mall, which was renovated by owners Ken and Diane Hendricks.

Chamber Executive Director Nancy Forbeck thanked the couple, owners of ABC Supply, for providing a great place for the dinner, which attracted about 200 more guests than it normally attracts.

The featured speaker of the evening was John Ratzenberger, best known as the character Cliff Clavin on the television sitcom “Cheers,” but most recently host of the Travel Channel's “John Ratzenberger's Made In America.”

He said he was impressed with the renovation of old buildings in Beloit, mostly thanks to the efforts of Ken and Diane Hendricks.

“What you've done here is what most of the people across the country say can't be done,” he said.

Earlier Tuesday, Ratzenberger had visited Beloit Memorial High School and was pleased to see there was an auto shop class offered there.

“I had a wonderful time touring the high school and going to the auto shop. I don't know if you realize this, but there are no more shop classes in many schools,” he said. He noted many schools are dropping shop classes because of liability costs to the schools, because there is a risk that students will be injured in the classes.

Ratzenberger is co-founder of the Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs Foundation, which promotes giving young people exposure to careers in manual arts. He has asked Ken Hendricks to serve on the board of directors for the foundation.

He said the average age of factory workers in America is 52. He said manual arts jobs are drying up, partly because the media portrays the plumbers, electricians and factory workers as dirty and undesirable jobs. His foundation hopes to change that image.

He said he has visited about 160 factories in the four years he has hosted his “Made in America” show, and he feels it is time to honor the people who build things in America. He said there should be plaques on buildings with the names of everyone who helped build it. He said pride in our country is being minimized in recent years.

“Sadly, to many kids today no longer learn pride in their country,” Ratzenberger said. “Self-loathing is a virus that is consuming America.”

Following Ratzenberger's presentation, several awards were given to honor individuals and businesses in the Greater Beloit Area.

Ken Hendricks accepted the award for Large Business of the Year for ABC Supply. He was noted for the renovation of many buildings in Beloit as well as the success of ABC Supply Company.

Small Business of the Year went to Peter Gabriel, owner of Domenico's and La Casa Grande restaurants.

The Community Spirit Award, which is given for those who work to better the community, was presented to Beloit 2020 for its plans for the Vision Center in downtown Beloit and its riverfront project. Greg Britton of Beloit Memorial Hospital, who sits on the Beloit 2020 board accepted the award.

The Chairperson's Award went to Dale Hjerpe of Alcoa Wheel Products, who has previously served as chairman of the chamber board.

Carla Swain was given the Chairperson's Gavel Award as the outgoing chamber board chair.

Ambassador of the Year went to Terry Meyers, who has been a great help to the Ambassadors Club.

Paulette Christiansen received the Ambassador's Gavel Award as the outgoing Ambassador Club Chairman.

Swain noted the chamber had a successful year, helping raise more than $750,000 for the engineering program at the University of Wisconsin - Rock County and, along with the Midwest Food Processors Association, hosting the first Food Expo.