WEDC announces minority, woman-owned business awards at Marketplace 2013 conference
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) today recognized minority and women-owned Wisconsin companies for their achievements at this year’s Marketplace 2013 Governor’s Conference on Minority Business Development in Milwaukee.
WEDC COO and Deputy Secretary Ryan Murray presented Outstanding Business Awards to recognize minority and women-owned businesses for showing overall business excellence in sales, product, customer relations, employment, and management dimensions.
Murray presented Rising Star Awards to minority and women-owned businesses operating less than five years that have shown great promise.
Menominee Tribal Enterprises, Neopit, received the minority-owned Outstanding Large Business Award.
The company, owned and operated by the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin, manufactures cabinets, furniture and millwork, and employs 150 people from local communities.
Runner-up in this category was Superior Support Resources, Brookfield.
Belonger Corp., West Bend, received the minority- owned Outstanding Small Business Award.
Founded in 2000 with one employee and four customers, this Native American Indian-owned enterprise is a mechanical, plumbing and wastewater specialty trades company with customers in 23 states.
First runner-up was The Quest Co. in Waukesha. Second runner-up was Big Horn Trucking LLC in Oneida.
Seek Careers/Staffing Inc., Grafton received the women-owned Outstanding Large Business Award.
Founded in 1975, the full-service staffing company has grown to be the fifth-largest woman-owned business in Wisconsin.
Molded Dimensions Inc. in Port Washington was the first runner-up in this category; MARS IT Corp. in Wauwatosa was the second runner-up.
Key Milwaukee, Mequon, received the womenowned Outstanding Small Business Award.
Founded in 1965, the company publishes the leading visitor guide in southeastern Wisconsin.
Glorious Malone’s Fine Sausage in Milwaukee was the first runner-up in this category; StrateVantage Communications LLC in Waukesha was the second runner-up.
BCP Transportation Inc., Deerfield, was named women-owned Rising Star, an award given to companies that have been in business for four years or less.
BCP is a certified full-service transportation company that serves Wisconsin and parts of Illinois and Minnesota.
Rose Publications in Clintonville was a runnerup for the award.
“I am proud to celebrate and honor the successes of the finalists of 2013 Governor’s Minority Business Awards,” said Murray.
“Our state is well served when business ownership reflects the strength and diversity of our population.”
About Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing Wisconsin’s business climate.
WEDC nurtures business growth and job creation by providing resources, technical support and financial assistance to companies, partners and communities in Wisconsin.
WEDC has four focus areas: business and industry development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship and innovation and international business development.
Together with more than 600 regional and local business development partners, it represents a highly responsive and coordinated network.
Visit www.inwisconsin.com or follow WEDC on Twitter @_InWisconsin to learn more.
