Rodney Oksuita, owner of Best Events Catering and Special Events Productions, was honored as the Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year (OROY) at a Blackhawk Chapter meeting on January 20 at Roherty's in Janesville.

Oksuita was named the OROY winner by fellow members of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association's Blackhawk Chapter. The award is given based on success in business, community service and dedication and service to the restaurant industry. The Blackhawk Chapter is made up of Green and Rock counties.

A 24-year veteran of the food service industry, Oksuita has spent the past 17 years developing Best Events Catering. The business began in Janesville and currently produces 2,700 events annually in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. Best Events employs 48 and has grown to include a complete rental and decorations division offering tents, tables, chairs, lighting and sound for every type of theme party imaginable. When asked what types of events he caters, Oksuita has been known to answer: "From life to death, and everything else in between."

Currently serving as President of the Blackhawk Chapter, Oksuita has been an active and enthusiastic member of the WRA for 12 years. After the events of September 11 in New York City, Oksuita was active in getting members of the chapter to assist in numerous fundraising efforts for the Windows on the World Restaurant Relief Fund. Within 72 hours of the attacks, Oksuita was working 17-hour shifts serving meals at Ground Zero. Of this experience, he states, "I will never serve meals I am more proud of."

Oksuita promotes the food industry by speaking to people of all ages about his business and what the industry means to him. He has been a guest speaker for culinary classes, student groups, senior centers and home economics classes for many years. He recently became an instructor in the Blackhawk Technical College Culinary Arts program, teaching catering and special events courses. He has also had foodservice students working "externships" in his business to gain hands-on experience in the field.

Dedicated to community service, Oksuita participates in dozens of community events annually and supports many charities. To that end, he was selected as a 2002 winner of WRA's "Good Neighbor" Award, which recognizes restaurant operators who go above and beyond in serving their communities.

WRA represents a broad range of more than 7,000 foodservice operations and is dedicated to promoting and improving the restaurant industry. For more information, visit www.wirestaurant.org.

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