Contact: Bill G. Smith, Director
608-255-6083
MADISON — John Kavanaugh, III, owner of the Esquire Club in Madison, one of the oldest and most venerable family businesses in Wisconsin, was honored recently by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) with its Small Business Champion Award.
“John is a long-standing member of NFIB who has embraced activism on every level,” said NFIB-Wisconsin Director Bill G. Smith. “He is committed to affecting public policy in a way that promotes and defends small businesses, and he’s been one of our most valuable members over the years.”
NFIB is a national organization with chapters in every state. The Small Business Champion Award is its highest honor, reserved for members who are distinguished by their hard work on behalf of small businesses. Kavanaugh, a member of the organization’s state Leadership Council, was singled out this year by the Wisconsin organization for his participation in all of its activities.
“John has been part of our Leadership Council since 2003, and in that time he has been one of our most active and effective members,” said Smith. “He frequently hosts our meetings. He regularly participates in our Business Day at the Capitol. He’s helped us to grow the organization by recruiting new members, and he’s been a strong supporter of our scholarship program, which provides educational opportunities to young business people.”
Smith noted that Kavanaugh has been a frequent spokesperson for the organization, having conducted a number of media interviews in which he made the case for Wisconsin’s small businesses.
“He’s really been one of our MVPs and we’re very proud to recognize his contributions with this award,” said Smith.
In addition to NFIB, Kavanaugh is an active member of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association and various community organizations. His restaurant is highly popular among the state’s political figures and public policy activists.
“Kavanaugh’s Esquire Club is the place in Wisconsin for people with an interest in government and public policy,” said Smith.
