Ozaukee Economic Development has named its 2014 Business of the Year award winners in small business, mid-size and large business categories.
The Business of the Year program, which launched last year, celebrates businesses that have demonstrated significant business and job growth over the past five years and businesses that have proven to be active community partners.
Shully’s Cuisine & Events in Thiensville has been crowned 2014 Small Business of the Year. Local entrepreneurs Scott and Beth Shully opened the event planning and catering company in Ozaukee in 1984. They have continued to add to their revenue stream and client base since opening, and in 2013 the company expanded its facility with a new event space known as the Watermark.
Johnson Level, a Mequon-based family owned business, has been recognized as the Mid-Size Business of the Year. Johnson Level, established in 1947, manufactures professional quality tools. Through the recession, the company developed a Lean Manufacturing initiative that optimized the function of its workshop. The company also expanded its international business relations in order to ramp up its exporting to foreign markets. As a result, Johnson Levels has increased its staff by more than 12 percent and experienced a 27.5 percent increase in revenue.
OED has named Port Washington-based Ansay and Associated the Large Business of the Year. The family-run business has been in operation since 1946. For the past 20 years, Ansay and Associates has made a point to grow by acquiring complimentary businesses and jumping into new markets, including Green Bay, West Bend and Fox Valley. The company has also increased its employee base from 85 in 2009 to 200 today and has nearly tripled its sales in the past five years.
OED will honor selected businesses at its Business of the Year and Economic Forecast Breakfast, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 24. The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. and will be held at the Ozaukee Pavilion in Cedarburg. For more information, contact OED Executive Director Kathleen Schilling at 262-238-7730 or kschilling@co.ozaukee.wi.us.
