MARKETPLACE runs a competitive awards program to recognize Wisconsin companies that exemplify growth excellence, with dedicated award categories for larger and smaller, newer and more established businesses. In addition, the conference honors individuals and organizations that are providing leadership in the business communities served by MARKETPLACE.
For 2019, awards have been expanded to include Wisconsin-based minority, woman and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses certified by the agencies listed below. Applications are due Thursday, Aug. 1. To receive an application, please contact Seyoum Mengesha.
DOA Supplier Diversity Program
(MBE, WBE, DVB)
Vets First Verification Program
Unified Certification Program
(DBE)
Woman Owned Certification
Minority Owned Certification
Outstanding Large Business Awards
For companies with more than 25 employees (full- and part-time)
Recognizes Wisconsin-based certified business enterprises with 25 or more employees that have demonstrated the capacity to grow over the past five years, with plans to continue expanding in the future
Outstanding Small Business Awards
For companies with 25 employees or fewer (full- and part-time)
Recognizes Wisconsin-based certified business enterprises with 25 or fewer employees that have demonstrated the capacity to grow over the past five years, with plans to continue expanding in the future
Rising Star Awards
Recognizes Wisconsin-based emerging certified business enterprises established on or after Jan. 1, 2015, that have strong growth potential by virtue of their past performance, innovative products or services, business team or other distinct competitive advantage
To be eligible for an award in the current year, the company cannot have won that same award category under the same certification in the past five years.
Outstanding Large Business Awards
For companies with 25 employees or more
Winner: MARS IT Corp.dba MARS Solutions Group of Wauwatosa – MBE
Runner-Up: Convenience Electronics, Inc. of McFarland – MBE
Runner-Up: ALLCON, LLC of Butler – MBE
Winner: Duwe Metal Products, Inc. of Menomonee Falls – WBE
Runner-Up: Premier Medical Staffing Services, LLC of Milwaukee – WBE
Runner-Up: Security Officer Services, Inc. of Milwaukee – WBE
Winner: U.S. Vet General Contracting, LLC of McFarland – DVB
Outstanding Small Business Awards
For companies with 25 employees or fewer
Winner: Quintec Integration, Inc. of Waukesha – MBE
Runner-Up: Great Impressions LLC of Milwaukee – MBE
Runner-Up: PeroDigm Design Studio, LLC of Cambridge – MBE
Winner: Stormwater Solutions Engineering, LLC of Milwaukee – WBE
Runner-Up: Superior Structural Corp. of New Berlin – WBE
Runner-Up: Top Tier, LLC of Reedsburg – WBE
Winner: STATZ Corporation of Cross Plains – DVB
Runner-Up: Your Personal Gardener, LLC of Mukwonago – DVB
Runner-Up: Luxury Massage Therapist, LLC, dba Spa Massage on the Go of West Allis – DVB
Rising Star Awards
Winner: Dakonte Product Group, Inc. of Milwaukee – MBE
Runner-Up: AgriStaff USA, LLC of Kiel – MBE
Runner-Up: Derute Consulting Cooperative of Milwaukee – MBE
Winner: Brainchild Studios LLC of Milwaukee – WBE
Runner-Up: adBidtise LLC of Milwaukee – WBE
Runner-Up: Easier Living Consultants, LLC of Camp Douglas – WBE
Winner: Aeroforce Logistics, LLC of Milwaukee – DVB
Runner-Up: Full Spectrum Health Services LLC of Madison – DVB
The MARKETPLACE Sponsor Hall of Fame was established to honor companies that have exhibited commitment to minority, women and veteran owned business development through perennial MARKETPLACE sponsorship contributions.
2018 Inductee
Prior year inductees
Associated Bank
AT&T
Forest County Potowatomi Community
Green Bay Packers Inc.
Harley Davidson Motor Company
Milwaukee Business Journal
Northwestern Mutual
PNC Bank
Roundy’s, Inc.
Town Bank
U.S. Bank
WE Energies
WHEDA
Wisconsin Business Development
Aggo Akyea
State Diversity Development and Advocacy Award
Gary Mejchar
Community Economic Development Award
Aina Vilumsons
Mentoring Small Business in Government Contracting Award
Nelson Solar
Minority Business Development Award
Curtiss Harris
Minority Business Community Service Award
Maria Watts
Business Community Collaboration Award
