The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recognized minority and women-owned Wisconsin companies for their achievements at this year’s Governor’s Conference on Minority Business Development in Milwaukee.
WEDC chief executive officer and secretary Paul Jadin presented Outstanding Business Awards to recognize minority and women-owned businesses for showing overall business excellence on sales, product, customer relations, employment, and management dimensions.
Jadin presented Rising Star Awards to minority and women-owned businesses operating less than five years that have shown great promise,
Mars IT Corp., Wauwatosa, received the minority-owned Outstanding Large Business Award. Mars IT is an information technology and engineering staffing solutions company. Convenience Electronics, McFarland, was a runner-up.
Rinka Chung Architecture Inc., Milwaukee, received the minority-owned Outstanding Small Business Award. Rinka Chung is a full service architecture firm. Runner-up minority businesses included Cartridge Savers, Inc., Madison, and Quest Company, Inc., Waukesha.
Belonger Corp., West Bend, received the women-owned Outstanding Large Business Award. Belonger is a specialty trades contractor providing mechanical, plumbing, design build construction, maintenance, and facility management services. IDL Solutions, Inc., Germantown, and Bailey Edward Design, Inc., Rhinelander, were recognized as finalists in the women-owned large business category.
Lockstep Solutions, Milwaukee, received the women-owned Outstanding Small Business Award. Lockstep Solutions is a global technology solutions provider. Nisha Group, Milwaukee, and Rose Publications, Clintonville, received runner-up honors as woman-owned small businesses.
Rural America OnShore Outsourcing Inc., Two Rivers, was named minority-owned Rising Star. Rural America OnShore Outsourcing helps companies save money by using lower cost, rural-based professionals. JW Johnson and Associates, Madison, was a finalist.
Red Barn Family Farms, Appleton, was named women-owned Rising Star. Red Barn Family Farms is a wholesale supplier of premium milk and award-winning cheese. Saga Environmental and Engineering and Atlas Signs and Plaques, both of Lake Mills, were finalists.
“I am proud to celebrate and honor the successes of the finalists 2012 Governor’s Minority Business Awards,” Jadin said. “Our state is well served when business ownership reflects the strength and diversity of our population.”
