Eight Wisconsin Companies Receive Manufacturer of the Year Awards

Milwaukee, WI, February 26, 2009 – Crescent Printing Company, Onalaska, is one of eight Wisconsin companies that received 2008 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards for outstanding achievements in manufacturing, including a new Grand Award in the Sustainability category. On Thursday, the winning companies were announced at a black-tie awards dinner and program at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee.

The 21st annual Manufacturer of the Year Awards recognize Wisconsin companies that demonstrate a commitment to business excellence, which has a positive impact on the company and the state, making Wisconsin a better place to live, work and play. "Manufacturers are the backbone of the Wisconsin economy, and when manufacturing is strong other industries will have strong paths as well," said Timothy L. Christen, CEO of Virchow, Krause & Company, LLP. “These companies demonstrate that Wisconsin manufacturers have the can-do spirit to make things in Wisconsin and create jobs for years to come.”

The statewide recognition program is co-sponsored by Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, a preeminent Midwest-based law firm; Virchow, Krause & Company, LLP, the nation’s 17th largest accounting and consulting firm; and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state’s largest business association.

"Wisconsin manufacturers are responsible for keeping our local economies strong," said Tod B. Linstroth, senior partner in the Business Practice Group at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP. "Their commitment to sound technological advances, customers and employees will foster new opportunities for our families and our futures."

Fifty-five Wisconsin businesses were nominated for the 2008 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards for manufacturing excellence. Companies were evaluated in areas such as financial growth or consistency, technological advances, product development, environmental solutions and sustainability, operational excellence/continuous improvement, commitment to employees and effective research and development.

Four Grand Award winners, categorized by number of employees, were recognized for superior performance across the nomination form categories. New to this year’s program was the Sustainability Grand Award, presented to a manufacturer that demonstrated a commitment to and successfully implemented sustainable manufacturing practices that are environmentally and economically sound. Special Awards were presented to three companies for achieving excellence in a particular area. The Special Award categories were determined by the judges based on information provided in the nomination forms.

"We are proud to honor these manufacturers. They have positioned themselves to grow as the economy rebounds." said James S. Haney, president of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. "Wisconsin manufacturers are recognized around the world for their innovations, cutting-edge technological advances, and uncompromising commitment to customer satisfaction."

An independent panel of judges, with representatives from business, education, government and the media, selected the 2008 Manufacturer of the Year Award winners. More information about the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards program can be found at www.wimoty.com.