Minority Business Awards Candidates to be Announced at Marketplace 2008

For Immediate Release: September 21, 2008
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661

MADISON - Winners of the Marketplace 2008 special business awards will be invited to a special reception on October 1st at the Wyndham Milwaukee Airport Hotel & Convention Hotel, Milwaukee. The event is sponsored by the Department of Commerce (Commerce). Reporters are welcome to attend.

"Commerce is firmly committed to the development of a broad base of minority businesses that provide quality goods and services," said Commerce Deputy Secretary Aaron Olver. "This recognition ceremony is one way of showcasing the tremendous achievements of our minority business base in Wisconsin."

The finalist in each category will be announced at the special reception. The top-ranked awardees in the four award categories are:

Outstanding Business - Large Company (having more than 25 employees)

• Hurt Electric, LLC Henry Hurt, Ron Rechlicz and Tim Jahn, owners, Menomonee Falls
• Menomonee Tribal Enterprises, represented by Bill Schmidt, Neopit

Outstanding Business - Small Category (having 25 or fewer employees)

• Diva Plumbing Company, LLC., Chiquita Jeffery and Donald Wears, owner, New Berlin
• Milwaukee Ironworks, Aby Gutierreiz, owner, South Milwaukee
• S & M Tools, James Fuss and Joe Lieterman, owners, Oneida

Rising Star - Recognizes an innovative young company representing promise of success

• Choice Construction Company, LLC., Brian Mitchell, P.E., owner, Menomonee Falls
• Electrical Testing Solutions, Tito Machado, owner, Oshkosh
• Spann & Associates, LLC., Bruce Spann, P.E., owner, Milwaukee

Good Citizen - Recognizes a company that contributes generously to society and community

• Andy Garcia Productions, Inc., Sue Mowris and Andy Garcia, owners, Madison
• Lena Foods, Derrick Martin, owner, Milwaukee
• Spanglish Multicultural Solutions, LLC, Nelson Soler, President

Award winners will also receive special recognition and their award at the October 2nd luncheon.

Marketplace 2008 is the premier matchmaking and training event for minority-owned businesses seeking to sell to government and large corporate buyers. This year's theme is "Gateway to Growth".

To find out more information and to register for Marketplace 2008 conference, please visit http://marketplace.wi.gov or contact Kema Williams at 608-267-9550. Register by September 22, 2008 to take advantage of the $45 early registration fee for Marketplace 2008.

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