Gov. Scott Walker Honors Local Business Leaders

WISCONSIN - Women from two local businesses were recognized today by Gov. Scott Walker at the 2016 Governor’s Trailblazer Awards for Women in Business ceremony among statewide honorees.

WAUWATOSA

Pioneer Award - Wauwatosa Day Care & Learning Centers, Inc., Rosemary Krause & Janey Brandt – Wauwatosa

BROOKFIELD

Special Recognition – Milton Law Offices, Latrice Milton – Brookfield

"Women business owners continue to serve as important role models for potential job creators across the state,” Governor Walker said. “Wisconsin’s history of women-owned businesses is long-standing, and they are a key component to the economic success of our state.”

The 15 award recipients represent eight counties and a wide array of industries.

Since it was established in 2007, 71 Wisconsin woman-owned businesses across 24 counties have received the Trailblazer Award.

Trailblazer Awards are given to businesses statewide to recognize the legacy of women’s business ownership in Wisconsin. Categories include family-owned businesses that are currently owned by women and have been in operation for three generations or more, and businesses with sole or majority ownership by women, or a series of women, for 25 years or more.

This year, the new Thrive Award was presented for 50 years of operation by a woman-owned business.

Here is the full list of winners:

Dane County
Pioneer Award – The Creative Company, Inc., Laura Gallagher, President & CEO – Madison

Torchbearer Award – Lichtfeld Plumbing, Inc., Melanie Lichtfeld – Madison

Pioneer Award – Nan M. Zimdars, Inc., Nan Zimdars – Madison

Pioneer Award – Silver Leaf Interiors, Inc., Laura Groenier, President – Madison

Thrive Award – Joan Collins Publicity, Joan Collins – Madison

Fond du Lac County
Torchbearer Award – Schlaefer Optometrists, Ann Schlaefer, Optometrist – Cambellsport

Kenosha County
Pioneer Award – Target Corporation, Carol Oxley, President – Pleasant Prairie

Milwaukee County
Special Recognition – Armstrong General Contracting, LLC, Loriana Armstrong, President – Milwaukee

Special Recognition – Belabela, Bella Roontga – Milwaukee

Torchbearer Award - Coakley Brothers Company, Peggy Coakley, President & CEO – Milwaukee

Pioneer Award - Wauwatosa Day Care & Learning Centers, Inc., Rosemary Krause & Janey Brandt – Wauwatosa

Sauk County
Torchbearer Award – Meyer Insurance Agency, Inc., Lise Meyer Kobussen, President – Sauk City

Sawyer County
Torchbearer Award – Treeland Resorts, Cheryl Treland – Hayward

Waukesha County
Special Recognition – Milton Law Offices, Latrice Milton – Brookfield

Wood County
Pioneer Award – Glacial Lake Cranberries, Inc., Mary Brazeau Brown, President – Wisconsin Rapids