Teel takes top honors at ceremony
Tim Damos / News Republic
Jay Smith, chairman of Teel Plastics, Inc., speaks during the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet Monday night at the Ho-Chunk Casino Convention Center.
By Tim Damos / News Republic
Recent growth and a commitment to economic development in Baraboo helped a local plastics firm stand out above the rest. The Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Teel Plastics, Inc., Monday night as the 2008 Business of the Year. The company recently built a 150,000-square-foot environmentally conscious headquarters in Baraboo and has plans to add 75 jobs to its existing base of 240 employees. The company also plans to sell lots on 80 acres of Baraboo land to create a business park intended to spur economic development. Jay Smith, the company's chairman, said Teel's leadership team has set the company up to succeed, and wants bring others along for the ride. "We really want to invest in this community," Smith said during an awards ceremony Monday night at the Ho-Chunk Casino Convention Center. "This community is important to us." The company has been located in Baraboo for 57 years and has four manufacturing facilities that produce plastic materials for different market sectors, including medical, automotive and water filtration. "When a business uses its success to help grow and support the community in which it lives, people take notice," said Gene Dalhoff, executive director of the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce. "Such is the case with Teel." Recent business of the year award winners were Baraboo National Bank in 2007, St. Clare Hospital and Health Center in 2006, and Monk's Bar & Grill in 2005. Several other businesses were recognized Monday night. A consortium of small businesses, Downtown Baraboo Inc., was recognized with a tourism award for hosting a variety of events that draw people to Baraboo. Bekah Kates Kitchen, Kids, Home & Boutique won this year's retail award for product innovation, longevity and customer service leadership. Pierce's Supermarkets was recognized for its community service in giving about $60,000 to more than 200 nonprofit organizations each year. Also recognized individually were Mary Bowers, president of the Sauk County Children's Giving Tree, John Bonhom and Bud and Ardjee Cady.