WMC: Manufacturer of the Year award nominations being accepted

For more information please contact:

Katy Ryder Pettersen

kpettersen@wmc.org

(608) 661-6916

Deadline for Application December 1, 2009

October 14, 2009, Madison — Nominations are being accepted for the 22nd Annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) Awards. Wisconsin manufacturers contribute to the vibrancy of our state and communities through good business practices, innovative processes and productivity enhancements. Manufacturing creates economic growth and is the engine that drives the Wisconsin economy. Nominees for the 2009 MOTY Awards must be manufacturing companies with significant operations in the state.

Winning companies will demonstrate a commitment to business excellence which has a positive impact on the company and the state, making Wisconsin a better place to live, work and play. Last year’s Medium Company size category winner was Orion Energy Systems, Inc. in Manitowoc. Reflecting on the award, Orion’s president Neal Verfuerth said, “This prestigious recognition is one more validation to our customers that we are committed to excellence in our manufacturing processes and business practices. We firmly believe Wisconsin is home to the best manufacturing workforce in the world, and while we haven’t been immune to the worldwide economic downturn, it’s our employees who have given us a competitive edge by producing quality products with the fastest lead times in the industry.”

Due to harsh economic conditions many manufacturers are experiencing this year, MOTY judges will consider various industry benchmarks in addition to three years of financial information provided as part of the nomination process.

Anyone may nominate a manufacturer, and self-nominations are welcome and encouraged. An independent panel of judges will evaluate all nominations, awarding up to five Grand Awards. The first four awards are size-related, based on number of employees: Small (1 – 99), Medium (100 – 299), Large (300 – 750), and Mega (751 +). In addition to the grand awards by company size, a fifth grand award is returning for the second year, the Sustainability Award, recognizing the top company demonstrating environmentally sustainable practices. The judges may also select manufacturers to receive Special Awards based on unique qualities and achievements.

Do you know a great manufacturer? Recognize that company for their efforts today! Nomination forms and further details are available on the MOTY website at http://www.wimoty.com or by calling (800) 362-7301. Nominations must be received by December 1, 2009. Winners will be announced at a black-tie awards program on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee.

The MOTY Awards Program is co-sponsored by Michael Best and Friedrich LLP, a preeminent Midwest-based law firm; Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP, the nation’s 17th largest accounting and consulting firm; and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the state’s largest business association.