TAPCO has been selected for the Future 50 list for 2010.

Future 50 List Uncovers Heroes of the Economic Recovery

By Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce - June 21, 2010

Milwaukee, WI . . . Difficult economic conditions continue to plague businesses both locally and nationally, but the 2010 Future 50 winners are surviving and thriving in these challenging conditions. Combined, the winning companies are projecting $717 million in revenue by the end of this year, with combined employment of 4,263.

Strengthening relationships with existing customers, attracting and retaining the best talent, and strategically expanding into other markets were among the winners’ leading strategies for growth. “We will continue to hire stunning colleagues and develop business leaders,” said Jeff Hughes, owner and CEO of Consult Sales – a technology firm in Menomonee Falls. Acknowledging that it is easier to keep a current customer than find a new one, Matt Burow, president of Catalyst Construction, added, “We will continue to strengthen current relationships as they are the reason for our success.” Matthew Buerosse, a partner in the engineering firm CORE Consulting, added, “The downturn in the economy has taught us a very valuable lesson: never take anything for granted!”

Forty percent of this year’s winners do a majority of their business with customers outside the Milwaukee Region. These companies bring new income back to the region, bolstering the overall economy. For example, Nova Musik, an online retailer of musical instruments, sells to clients in Japan, the United Kingdom, Russia and beyond.

The winners include a diverse mix of industry types and sizes. There are nine technology companies on the list; six manufacturers; and six construction companies. A wide variety of other services account for the largest percentage – 46%.

MMAC’s small business arm, the Council of Small Business Executives (COSBE), has conducted the Future 50 program for the past 22 years. “These companies point to where our economy is headed and with a strong showing of firms in all categories, we are headed in the right direction,” said Mary Steinbrecher, COSBE’s executive director.

Companies must submit an application including revenue and employment history as well as growth projections to be considered for the Future 50. Companies must meet four basic criteria: local headquarters (within the seven counties of southeast Wisconsin); independent ownership; strong growth in revenue and employment; and in business for at least three years.

Combined, this year’s Future 50 had a total employment of 3,537 and $623.7 million in revenue by year-end 2009—a 12% increase over their combined revenue for 2008. Twenty-three of the winners are being recognized for the first time (companies can win the award up to three times); 16 for the second time, and 11 are three-time winners.

The 2010 Future 50 companies will be recognized for their achievements at the annual awards luncheon, to be held Thursday, September 16, 2010 at the Pfister Hotel. Park Bank has been the long-standing partner and presenting sponsor of the Future 50 program. The Future 50 Luncheon sponsors include Humana and UW-Parkside.

The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce promotes and protects the interests of its 1,800 business member firms through a variety of programs and services. Members with 1-300 employees are represented through the MMAC’s Council of Small Business Executives.

For a complete list of award winners Winners List (PDF)