Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery Receives Manufacturer of the Year Award

Last Thursday evening, February 26, 2015, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery was one of seven Wisconsin companies awarded a prestigious Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award.  Celebrating its 27th year, the Manufacturer of the Year Award program recognizes manufacturers of all sizes and industries for their contributions to the great state of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year award winners were selected by an independent panel of judges representing manufacturing, service and the public sector. We were honored to be one of the 40 nominees, and receiving an award was icing on the cake! Paul Bauer, our CEO and Manager, accepted the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year – Marketplace Opportunity Award in recognition of our rich, 104-year history. “It’s because of the dedication of the patron farm families of our cooperative, our devoted and talented staff, and our loyal customers, that I accept this award,” said Paul Bauer. The judges acknowledged how our Cooperative has reinvented itself. While the product we manufacture has remained consistent for the past 50 years, our strategy for bringing that product to market has shifted considerably. We have been transitioning away from the commodities market to instead focus on building a brand consumers recognize for quality and value. They recognized our success to date, and the potential for our product across the world. Yes, it wasn’t just a special night for us, but a big win for Wisconsin Cheese! Today, our cheese curds and artisan cheeses are asked for by name and loved by our growing customer-base (a.k.a. people like you!). And here at the Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin in Ellsworth, and in Comstock, WI, our retail stores have become day trip destinations and attract thousands of tourists annually.  With a high quality, wholesome product, a good reputation and loyal customers, we’ve committed extensive resources to expanded production to keep up with growing demand for our products. So as they say, keep on eating those squeaky cheese curds. We’ll make more. We’re proud of our state and the contributions being made by our fellow-manufacturers. Here’s a video showcasing their amazing products. We wouldn’t dream of doing it anywhere else:

Almost as good as being there; see outtakes from the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award Ceremony.