The 10 finalists for 2004 Better Business Bureau Serving Wisconsin Torch Awards have been named. The finalists are: Badger Meter, Inc., Milwaukee; Batzner Pest Management, New Berlin; Kelmann Corp., Wauwatosa; Kolb+Co., Milwaukee; Lakeland Supply Inc., Waukesha; Personally for You Invitations & Accessories, Madison; SmokeStacks LLC, Brookfield; Stowell Associates-Select Staff Inc., Milwaukee; The Swiss Colony Inc., Monroe; and Thomas Fence & Deck – Waukesha. The awards honor honest and ethical businesses that provide exceptional customer service, uphold a strong commitment to the community and continue to be innovative in their industry.The winners will be announced at the Torch Awards ceremony, which will take place at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Oct. 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Curt and Craig Culver, both of whom are leaders of successful Wisconsin companies, will be the keynote speakers at the event. Curt Culver is the president and chief executive officer of MGIC Investment Corp., Milwaukee. His brother, Craig, is the president and co-founder of Culver Franchising Systems Inc., the Prairie du Sac-based parent company of the Culver’s restaurant chain.
Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle also is scheduled to speak at the Torch Awards ceremony. The awards will be given to businesses in four size categories: 1-10 employees; 11-99 employees; 100-999 employees; and 1,000 or more employees. Admission fees for the event are $40 for Better Business Bureau members and $45 for non-members. Corporate tables of eight are available for $400. To register for the event, contact Sarah Wilson of Small Business Times at (414) 277-8181, ext. 129, or Carole Milos at the Better Business Bureau at (414) 847-6064. Small Business Times is a media sponsor for the program.
September 17, 2004, Small Business Times, Milwaukee, WI
