Contact: Bill Rubin/Jacki Bradham, St. Croix EDC, 715-381-4383
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Wisconsin Business Development Finance Corp. (WBD) announced that BOH Electronics (North Hudson, Wisconsin) is the recipient of the 2010 Howard Ford Small Business Achievement Award. Company founder Ben Hanke will receive the award at WBD’s regional annual meeting in Eau Claire in January 2011.
The award is named after one of WBD’s founding board members, Howard Ford, who also had a long tenure with the Small Business Administration (SBA). WBD created the award in Ford’s name to recognize his spirit of small business assistance. WBD said Ford’s personal spirit and the achievements of growing businesses like BOH Electronics are the elements that will help keep Wisconsin working.
BOH Electronics was established in 2005 as a premier wire harness manufacturer offering custom cable/wire harness assembly solutions to a variety of customers in technology-based industries. Working from exacting client specifications, BOH manufactures custom designed cables and sub-assemblies. In developing these technologies, and with its capacity to fill custom needs, BOH Electronics has expanded its product line, facility, and employee base.
BOH exemplifies the attributes of a small business. Since 2005, Hanke has seen his business grow from a one person start-up in his own garage to a full-fledged manufacturing facility with 26 employees. With the help of The RiverBank and WBD, Hanke’s ambition to restore the building BOH now occupies has helped revive the once forgotten historical rail shop district in North Hudson, Wisconsin. Hanke and his construction advisors worked with the State Historical Society to ensure the building maintained its historical integrity. WBD said this dedication to the greater Hudson area and the resulting economic impact makes BOH Electronics deserving of this year’s award.
Since 1981, WBD Finance Corp. has been partnering with Wisconsin financial institutions and small businesses. More than $1.5 billion of community development projects have been funded by WBD, which have created more than 25,000 jobs statewide. Over the years, WBD has developed an expertise in finding solutions and strategies for small businesses looking to grow. WBD maintains its headquarters in Madison and plus eight offices across the state. http://www.wbd.org.
BOH Electronics was previously honored by St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (EDC) as the 2008 Emerging Business of the Year. This award recognizes start-up and development-stage companies that have been in business for five or fewer years in St. Croix County, Wisconsin.
“Ben Hanke and BOH Electronics reflect an innovation spirit,” said William Rubin, executive director of St. Croix EDC. “From the design and prototyping phases to production and inspection, BOH utilizes cutting-edge cabling technologies. All of this proves BOH Electronics is a worthy recipient of WBD’s Howard Ford award.”
St. Croix County, Wisconsin is an exceptional place to live, work, learn, play, and grow. There are many resources to assist new and existing businesses, and a favorable business climate helps ensure success. Business advantages include lower property, corporate, individual, and sales taxes, along with access to critical workforce talent and major transportation assets. For more information on economic development opportunities in St. Croix County, please contact St. Croix EDC at (175) 381-4383 or bill@stcroixedc.com.
