WAUSAU — The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce announced this week the three 2019 Small Businesses of the Year Award recipients.
The Small Business of the Year Award recognizes business growth, community involvement and innovative efforts in the Wausau region and is a part of the chamber’s annual Small Business Week. Recipients were honored during a ceremony on April 23 in Rothschild.
Business-to-Business category: Luoma Design Solutions, Inc. was founded by Dan and Leslie Luoma in 2004. The couple operated out of a room in their basement for the first year and have grown to include an office in Brokaw and will open an office in the San Francisco area later this year to service clients on the West Coast. The company specializes in project management, as well as 2D and 3D drafting services.
Business-to-Consumer category: Ruppel Chiropractic opened in 2010. The clinic specializes in a few soft tissue techniques and active rehabilitation found nowhere else in the area. This specialty has propelled the business into an expansion of both their office and staff size. Dr. Steve Ruppel participates in running events and triathlons, helping him to better relate to his patients’ injuries.
Charitable Nonprofit category: Wausau River District, Inc. is a Main Street America program that works with more than 220 businesses spanning 34 blocks on the east and west sides of the Wisconsin River. Throughout its 17-year history, the organization has worked with regional entities and local businesses to promote the River District as a place that residents can live, work and play.
“We are honored and blessed to receive the Small Business of the Year award,” said Dan Luoma, president of Luoma Design Solutions, in a Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce news release. “This is a wonderful accomplishment for our team which reflects their dedication to excellence and service to our clients.”
“It is a true delight to be held in the same spotlight as these other well-deserving businesses,” said Abby Ruppel of Ruppel Chiropractic in the release. “Winning this morning’s award in the company of other very capable businesses, alongside fellow business mentors and friends, is an honor we will not soon forget.”
“Receiving this award is such an honor for the Wausau River District, especially being recognized for our work revitalizing our Main Street District and improving the quality of life for Wausau residents,” said Blake Opal-Wahoske, executive director of the Wausau River District, in the release.
The Small Business of the Year Award finalists also included:
Business-to-Business category: Integra Tool & Manufacturing, Inc., PC Portal of Wausau
Business-to-Consumer category: Clements Insurance Agency, Inc., Glaser Dental, Woodstock Hardwood Flooring & Design Center
Charitable Non-Profit category: Achieve Center, Inc., Central Wisconsin Offroad Cycling Coalition, Inc., The Family Radio Network, Inc., Healthfirst Network, Inc., K-Tech Charities, Inc., The Open Door of Marathon County, Peaceful Solutions Counseling, Inc., Stable Hands, Inc.
For more information on the 2019 Small Business of the Year Awards, including a list of past recipients, visit the Chamber’s site.
Feature photo courtesy Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce. Leslie and Dan Luoma of Luoma Design Solutions, Inc. receive the 2019 Small Business of the Year Award in the business-to-business category on April 23.
