For Immediate Release – January 14, 2025

Contact:
Brian Otten, Marketing Director
Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce
715-848-5947 | botten@wausauchamber.com

Four Chamber members named finalists for Manufacturer of the Year Awards

WAUSAU — Twenty-one Wisconsin companies were recently recognized as finalists for the 2025 Manufacturers of the Year Awards by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. In a testament to the strength of the manufacturing industry in central Wisconsin, four of these finalists are members of the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce. The winners will be announced at a banquet held on February 20 at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee.

Lemke Industrial Machine LLC in Marathon was named a finalist in the Small Category (1-99 employees). Gamber-Johnson in Stevens Point and Weinbrenner Shoe Company in Merrill were named finalists in the Large Category (250-499 employees). Crystal Finishing in Weston, Mosinee and River Falls was named a finalist in the Mega Category (500-plus employees).

The 36th Manufacturer of the Year Awards program, sponsored by Baker Tilly, Michael Best & Fredrich LLP and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, recognizes the state’s top manufacturers of all sectors and sizes for innovations, philanthropy, technological advances, commitment to customer satisfaction and the quality jobs they create.

“Manufacturing is our region’s driving economic sector employing over 15,000 skilled workers,” said Dave Eckmann, President/CEO of the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber is very proud that several of our members are being considered for this prestigious award.”

The program highlights manufacturing as the state’s top industry, employing one in six Wisconsin workers and producing nearly $72 billion in economic output each year. The finalists represent the diversity and power of Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry and its wide-reaching impact.

The judges of this year’s awards may also decide to honor a company with a Special Award for excelling in an outstanding area.

The 36th Manufacturer of the Year Awards program recognized Wisconsin companies that are dedicated to quality careers, good business practices, financial growth, innovative processes and reinvestment into local communities. The industry itself employs nearly a half million Wisconsinites and contributes roughly $70 billion annually to the economy.

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The Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce is the source for business information in the Wausau Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The organization has earned a 5-Star Accreditation, one of only two chambers in the state with that designation. The Chamber strengthens member businesses and enhances the region by building business success. For more information on the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce, visit us online at www.wausauchamber.com or call 715-845-6231.