For additional information contact Neil Fauerbach, Partner – Director of Marketing
Smith & Gesteland, LLP
Office: 608-828-3110 – email: neil.fauerbach@sgcpa.com
Cell: 608-345-8178
Madison, WI – May 10, 2012: Seven family businesses were honored in the ninth annual Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Award banquet held Thursday evening in Madison. Three grand awards were presented along with four special awards.
According to a Family Firm Institute study, family-owned businesses account for 60% of total U.S. employment, 78% of all new jobs, 65% of wages paid, and 50 percent of the country’s GDP. And, family businesses are firmly rooted in their communities. Their charitable dollars and volunteer hours make their neighborhoods better places to live.
“In our work with family businesses, we see a clear difference in their approach to business, and in their roles in their communities, stated Jeff Schleicher, Managing Partner of Smith & Gesteland, the award sponsor. “They understand their responsibilities, and have been the leaders in getting our economy going again” he stated.
Winners were selected by an independent panel of judges from nominations submitted by the companies. Grand awards were presented in three size categories: Large (100+ employees), Medium (50-99), and Small (under 50). Special awards were given by the judges to companies excelling in a particular area.
Grand Awards
Hartung Brothers, Inc. – Madison – Large Company
Hydro-Thermal Corporation – Waukesha – Medium Company
Timbergreen Farm – Spring Green – Small Company
Special Awards/Title
Friede & Associates, LLC – Reedsburg – “Building Commitment”
J. P. Cullen & Sons, Inc – Janesville – “Pride Award”
Patch Products – Beloit – “Work Hard – Play Hard”
Glorious Malone’s Fine Sausage, Inc. – Milwaukee – “Glorious Recipe for Success”
About the Award: The Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Award was created and is sponsored by Smith & Gesteland, LLP, a Madison-based CPA and Business Consulting firm to highlight and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of family businesses that make an impact on the Wisconsin economy.
Further information about the award can be found at http://www.familybusinessaward.com.
