Superior has a rich business tradition and a new program designed to recognize the achievement of the businesses community in Douglas County kicked off Tuesday morning.
Officials from the Chamber of Commerce, the Development Association, the Northeast Entrepreneur Fund, the Superior Business Improvement District, the Superior Business Center and the University of Wisconsin-Superior Small Business Development Center announced the kick-off of the Superior Business Awards Program.
"As the oldest business member organization in Superior/Douglas County, the Chamber is honored to participate with our partners in rolling out the first ever Superior Business Awards Program," said David Minor, president and chief executive officer of the Chamber.
"Recognizing the success of local businesses and entrepreneurs is an important part of our business retention and expansion efforts," said Andy Lisak, executive director of the Development Association. "Approximately 80 percent of all jobs created in our community are created by existing businesses. It is imperative that we recognize the businesses that have been responsible for creating a vibrant, local economy."
The new awards program has six categories that honors both longevity and the entrepreneurial spirit that builds the economy.
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"Superior and Douglas County have a rich tradition of successful businesses and entrepreneurs," said Kaye Tenerelli, executive director of the Superior Business Improvement District. "The Superior Business Awards Program will enable our community to honor both historical and active entrepreneurs and businesses that have contributed to that tradition." Tenerelli continued.
Six award categories have been established:
- Business Hall of Fame (for entrepreneurs in the period for the previous 50 years from the current year)
- Historical Business Hall of Fame (for entrepreneurs that operated businesses that existed prior to the last 50 years)
- Small Business of the Year (more than 5 years in business with 25 or fewer employees)
- Large Business of the Year (more than 5 years in business with over 25 employees)
- Emerging Innovative Business (in business for at least 2 years but no more than 5 years with an innovative product, process or technology)
- Business Plan Competition (business plan submitted by an entrepreneur for a start-up of a for-profit business or existing business expansion)
"As we work with aspiring entrepreneurs in Douglas County and throughout the Northland, it is important that these entrepreneurs be able to look to successful businesses and business people as role models to emulate," said Shawn Wellnitz, director of business development for the Northeast Entrepreneur Fund. "The Superior Business Awards will formally recognize these role models."
The honors expand on the success of the Business Plan Competition," said Julianne Raymond, director of the UWS-Small Business Development Center. "The Superior Business Awards will also complement other business award programs held on the state, regional and national levels," she said.
Hall of Fame nominees are granted posthumously or to the living, but the nominees must be individuals with residence in Douglas County or whose for-profit business is or was located in Douglas County.
Businesses nominated must be for-profit.
The deadline for nominations is Aug. 1. Awards will be announced at a banquet in September. Nomination forms are available on-line at www.superiorchamber.org/community/awards%20nomination%20form.pdf or by calling the Chamber at (715) 394-7716 or the Development Association at (715) 392-4749.
For more information, call the Development Association.
