Wisconsin cranberry growers host international business mission

Eighteen trade representatives from 12 countries, alone with state industry and governmental leaders met at the Gottschalk family cranberry marsh in Wisconsin Rapids in September.

Their mission? To learn about the fall cranberry harvest and different ways to promote cranberries in their individual countries, thus helping increase international exports of the state’s largest fruit crop.

“This is a great way for Wisconsin to tell the story of the rich history of the cranberry industry, show our guests how the state fruit is harvested and allow them to take this knowledge back to their countries,” said Tom Lochner, executive director of Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association. “At the same time, we can learn so much from our international guests as far as how cranberries are used worldwide.”

This visit came as the U.S. Cranberry Marketing Committee’s most recent figures show that cranberry exports have increased by nearly 18 percent over last year, and more growth is targeted. Wisconsin currently produces more than half of the world’s cranberry supply, and this year state growers are expected to yield 4.0 million barrels, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Services.

Wisconsin’s cranberry industry currently has an annual economic impact of $350 million and supports 7,200 jobs from its 18,000 acres of cranberries grown in 18 counties in central and northern Wisconsin.

“The cranberry industry — and all of agriculture — is vital to our economy here at home and can play a significant role overseas,” said Wisconsin Agriculture Secretary Rod Nilsestuen. “There is unlimited potential in the world cranberry market, and Wisconsin has the capacity and the desire to help grow the industry to meet that demand.”

During their Wisconsin tour, the 18 international representatives heard from Wisconsin cranberry growers, workers and industry experts, tried harvesting and sampled an array of domestic cranberry products. They also educated Wisconsin growers on their countries’ consumer tastes and shared popular cranberry products and promotions from their countries. 

Manufacturer of the Year nominations now being accepted

Nominations are now being accepted for the 22nd Annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) Awards. Nominees for the 2009 MOTY Awards must be manufacturing companies with significant operations in the state. Due to harsh economic conditions many manufacturers are experiencing this year, MOTY judges will consider various industry benchmarks in addition to three years of financial information provided as part of the nomination process.

The MOTY Awards recognize Wisconsin companies for excellence in manufacturing based on a number of criteria. Winning companies will demonstrate a commitment to business excellence which has a positive impact on the company and the state, making Wisconsin a better place to live, work and play.

Nomination forms and further details are available on the MOTY website at www.wimoty.com or by calling (800) 362-7301. Nominations must be received by December 1, 2009.

MOVERS

>> First Business Financial Services Inc.  has announced that Tammy Sullivan has been hired as vice president – client support.

>> Mary Feldt, president and CEO of Park Towne Management Corp., was honored with the 2009 Small Business Champion Award from the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB).

>> Daniel Vliet of Davis & Kuelthau, S.C. has been appointed as the Membership Development Committee Employer Co-Chair of the Labor and Employment Law Section of the American Bar Association.