Carthage honored with Forward Award
The Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA) recognized Carthage for its history of growth, innovation, and positive impact on the community at the 2025 Ovation Awards on Feb. 6.
The College received the Forward Award, which honors companies and organizations driving Kenosha County’s economy forward. Carthage joined Backyard Dream Productions, Grow Space Vertical Farms, Kem Krest, and NOSCO as this year’s recipients.
Upon accepting the award, President John Swallow highlighted Carthage’s deep commitment to supporting the Kenosha community through education and workforce development.
“We are expanding education at more levels, reaching more people in more places,” President Swallow said.
He pointed to the Spark Program, an initiative that delivers education directly in the workplace. Carthage partnered with LMI Packaging to pilot this innovative program, helping line workers in Kenosha County gain essential business skills.
Additionally, Carthage has added certified nurse aide training and master’s degree programs, ensuring that local businesses have greater access to highly skilled talent.
“The businesses represented in this room now have more opportunities to hire excellent talent right here in Kenosha,” President Swallow emphasized.
The 2025 Ovation Award winners also included:
- Business of the Year: Jockey International, Inc.
- Small Business of the Year: Franks Diner
- Business Leader of the Year: Karla Krehbiel, Johnson Financial Group President
Several faculty and staff members, as well as Carthage trustees, attended the event, including Gina Madrigrano Friebus ’76, Bishop Paul Erickson, Robert Lee, Jr., Loren Semler ’96, and Charles Sutton.
Sponsoring Department, Office, or Organization:
Office of the President