For Immediate Release – January 9, 2026

Contact:
Brian Otten, Marketing Director
Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce
715-848-5947 | botten@wausauchamber.com

Five Chamber members named finalists for Manufacturer of the Year Awards

WAUSAU — More than 40 Wisconsin companies were recently recognized as finalists for the 2026 Manufacturers of the Year Awards by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. In a testament to the strength of the manufacturing industry in central Wisconsin, five of these finalists are members of the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce. The winners will be announced at a banquet held on February 19 at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee.

Four Grand Award winners will be recognized for their performance. This year, the program organizers have also added a Spotlight Award track to recognize specialized excellence. Spotlight Awards will be awarded in four categories: Business Resilience and Growth; Community Impact and Investment; Excellence in Product and Process Innovation; and Commitment to Workforce.

The five finalists who are also members of the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce include:

• Bassett Mechanical
• Gamber-Johnson LLC
• Imperial Industries Inc
• Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co Inc
• Lemke Industrial Machine LLC

The 37th Manufacturer of the Year Awards program, sponsored by Baker Tilly, Michael Best & Fredrich LLP and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, recognizes the state’s top manufacturers of all sectors and sizes for innovations, philanthropy, technological advances, commitment to customer satisfaction and the quality jobs they create.

“Manufacturing is our region’s driving economic sector employing thousands of skilled workers,” said Dave Eckmann, President/CEO of the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber is very proud that several of our members are being considered for this prestigious award.”

The program highlights manufacturing as the state’s top industry, employing one in six Wisconsin workers and producing nearly $74 billion in economic output each year. The finalists represent the diversity and power of Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry and its wide-reaching impact.

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The Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce is the source for business information in the Wausau Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The organization has earned a 5-Star Accreditation, one of only two chambers in the state with that designation. The Chamber strengthens member businesses and enhances the region by building business success. For more information on the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce, visit us online at www.wausauchamber.com or call 715-845-6231.