The MMAC and its Council of Small Business Executives (COSBE) are proud to be celebrating 25 years of the Future 50 program this year. While much has changed in our economy and our community during that time, recognizing our fast-growing, local companies is as important – if not more – than ever.
In total, 610 firms have received our Future 50 Award (each company can win up to three times). Many of the businesses have continued to grow through the years, some have been sold and some owners have gone on to become serial entrepreneurs. The oldest company to have won the award is the Knight Barry Title Group, founded in 1854, proving that growth and innovation can happen at any point in the business cycle.
The winners have represented every conceivable industry and product, from a wholesale florist to homebuilders; from banks and law firms to manufacturers of all kinds. Manufacturers, of course, have always been an important driver of Milwaukee’s regional economy. So it is fitting that 17 of this year’s 50 winners are manufacturers.
In many ways, the winning companies really do represent our future and they are indicative of the entrepreneurial spirit that is alive and well in our region. These businesses apply innovation, hard work and the best talent they can find to grow their business every day. They are creating the jobs so vital to our prosperity. Please join me in saluting our Future 50 winners, both past and present.
