PCEDC lauds WIS, Ptacek's as Businesses of Year

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Two prominent area companies and two longtime civic volunteers were recognized at the annual dinner of the Pierce County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC), held at JC’s Red Barn in the Town of Martell.

“We have had fortunate economic conditions this past year,” said PCEDC Executive Director Bill Warner. The corporation’s annual report highlighted the county’s low unemployment rate in recent months, including a state-low 4.3 percent in September 2012, along with notes on recent employment growth at several county manufacturing firms.

Wisconsin Industrial Sand (WIS) was recognized for years of steady operations and employment growth at its facilities in Maiden Rock, Bay City and Hager City, along with its recent designation as a “Green Master” by the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council. Plant Manager Jeff Himes was in attendance to accept a certificate from the PCEDC.

Also recognized as Business of the Year was Ptacek’s IGA of Prescott, which celebrated its 100th year in business in 2012 and also set a new world record for longest bratwurst in a bun at its October anniversary party.

The Village of Ellsworth celebrated its Sesquicentennial during 2012 with a range of activities, park improvements and celebrations. The PCEDC recognized Jack Hines from Hines Auction Service and Milt Helmer from Independent Marketing with special Service Awards.

“Both Jack and Milt have been community volunteers and leaders for decades,” said Warner. “We felt it was time to give them a little public thank-you, and their great work on the Sesquicentennial presented a good opportunity to do that.”

Sixty-five attendees enjoyed a buffet supper. The featured speaker was Dr. Michael Grover from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, who explored housing trends and conditions in Pierce County and the Twin Cities metropolitan area, along with the Minneapolis Fed’s community development mission. Copies of Dr. Grover’s presentation and the PCEDC’s annual report for 2012 are available from Warner, bill@pcedc.com or 715/425-3881.

Tags: communities, business, wisconsin