Dept. of Commerce: Minority business award winners announced at Marketplace 2010 Conference

Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661

MADISON–The Wisconsin Department of Commerce (Commerce), Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), and the US Small Business Administration presented achievement awards at the 29th annual Governor’s Marketplace Trade Fair luncheon held Wednesday, October 13, at the Country Springs Hotel and Convention Center, Pewaukee.

“Commerce is firmly committed to the development of a broad base of minority businesses that provide quality goods and services,” said Commerce Secretary Aaron Olver. “I appreciate this opportunity to recognize outstanding performance in minority business development.”

Commerce presented the following awards:

Outstanding Business – Large Company Award Winner (more than 25 employees)

Southern Wisconsin Interpreting and Translation Services, Ltd (SWITS): Saul Arteaga, Director – Delavan

* Runners-up:

— Buveck Consultants, LLC – Thomas Burse, CEO – Milwaukee

— Hiring & Staff Services, Inc., Ray Smith, CEO – Madison

Outstanding Business – Small Company Award Winner (less than 25 employees)

Mars IT, Inc.: Rashi Arora Khosla, CEO – Wauwatosa

* Runners-up:

— Flex Pre-Press, Inc., Burt Tabora, President

— T.L. Reese Corporation, Troy Reese, President – Milwaukee

The Outstanding Business Awards recognize established minority enterprises that demonstrate overall achievement in product, sales and market impact, customer service, employment and management.

Rising Star – Winner

Global Refractory Installers and Suppliers: Lynn Piwonski, Chief Financial Officer – Green Bay

* Runners-up:

— Diamond Disc International, Inc., Ugo Nwagbaraocha, President – West Allis

— Weatherization Services, LLC, Devin Hawthorne, Owner – Milwaukee

The Rising Star Award recognizes an emerging minority business that shows innovation and high growth potential.

Good Citizen Award Winner

Multicultural Entrepreneurship Institute, Inc.: Nelson Soler, Chief Solutions Officer –Milwaukee

* Runners-up:

— Heartland Information Research, Kate Hill, President – Wauwatosa

— ZE Solutions, LLC, The Law Firm of Tina Gouty-Yellow, Tina Gouty-Yellow, Owner – Cecil

The Good Citizen Award recognizes a minority business is making a positive contribution to its community.

Community Economic Development Award

American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin: Craig Anderson, Executive Director and President, for directing positive change to enhance the quality of life in the community.

DOA presented awards to companies excelling in managing the state procurement process:

Wisconsin State Procurement Excellence

Keystone Travel Services, New Berlin

Art Smith, President

Wisconsin State Procurement Excellence in Construction Award

Bloom Companies, LLC, Milwaukee

Matthew Tharaniyil, President

The SBA presented the following awards:

2010 Minority Small Business Champion

Ossie Kendrix, Jr.

Manager

City of Milwaukee Emerging Business Enterprise Program

2010 Minority Small Business Person

Julio deArteaga

President, De Arteaga, Inc.

A webinar featuring the winners and runners-up of the Outstanding Business, Rising Star and Good Citizen award can be found on the web site of the Department of Commerce at http://marketplace.wi.gov/home.html