‘Family Business of the Year Award’ seeks nominees across the state | Business

Award celebrates impact of family biz on Wis. communities    

A state group that celebrates family-owned businesses is seeking nominations for the 2013 “Business of the Year” award, which is also the group’s 10th year sponsoring the program.

One family business will be selected for grand awards in categories including small (less than 50 employees), medium (50-99), and large (100 or more) companies. The organization said special awards will also be given to companies excelling in a particular area.

Created by Smith & Gesteland, a Middleton accounting and business consulting firm, the annual awards highlight the importance of family-owned businesses.

The deadline for nominations is April 13.

Awards will be presented at a banquet in Middleton on May 9. The group said on its website that winners are selected by an independent panel of judges and self nominations are accepted.

Past winners of the Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Award include Hartung Brothers in Madison, Hydro-Thermal Corp. in Waukesha, Timbergreen Farms near Spring Green, C.G. Schmidt Inc. of Milwaukee, Hellenbrand Inc. of Waunakee and Botham Vineyards of Barneveld, to name a few.