Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Award: 2018 winners announced

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 3, 2018: Seven family businesses were honored at the fifteenth annual Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Award banquet held Thursday evening at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison. Three grand awards were presented along with four special awards. 
 
“We love to tell the stories of the family businesses that are nominated for this award. The resilience, creativity, ethical standards, and generosity of these businesses is inspiring. We are proud to sponsor this program” stated James Hartlieb, President of co-sponsor First Business Bank.
 
Twenty three companies were nominated for the awards. Winners were selected by an independent panel of judges. Grand Awards were presented in three size categories: Large (100+ employees), Medium (25-99), and Small (under 25). Special awards were given by the judges to companies excelling in a particular area.
 
This year’s winners come from all corners of the state, from the Northwoods of Wisconsin, to small rural villages, to Metro-Milwaukee. Proof that family businesses are truly in the fabric of our state. There are second through fifth generation businesses in agriculture, retail, financial services, metal fabrication, food processing, and printing.
 
Grand Awards
Don Johnson Auto Group, Rice Lake, Large Company
Chapter 2, Inc., Lake Mills, Medium Company
Ayers Furniture Company, Ridgeway, Small Company
 
Special Awards/Title
Baker’s Quality Pizza Crusts, Inc., Waukesha – “Rising to the Top”
Diversified Seed Producers, LLC, DeForest – “Growing Strong”
Empire Screen Printing, Inc., Onalaska – “I Am Not Afraid”
Heck Capital Advisors, LLC, Rhinelander – “Building a Lasting Legacy”
 
About the Award: The Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Award is sponsored by Smith & Gesteland, LLP, a Madison-based CPA and Business Consulting firm, First Business Bank, and the Husch Blackwell law firm, to highlight and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of family businesses that make an impact on their communities and on the Wisconsin economy.
 
Further information about the award can be found at www.familybusinessaward.com.