Judging Process
Award entries are evaluated by an independent panel of judges. This distinguished panel includes leaders in business, government, education, and the media from across the state. Organizations represented in the past include CEOs from past winner companies, leaders of financial investment organizations, representatives from the Wisconsin Technical College Systems, The Business Journal serving Greater Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, and many more.
Once the application deadline is reached and all entries are received, a list of the nominated companies is distributed to all judges to identify any conflicts of interest. If a judge has a relationship with any nominee that would preclude him or her from objectively judging the entry, he/she is assigned to a different category. In late-December, category assignments are finalized and nominations are provided to the judges for their evaluation. In January, the entire judging panel convenes in Madison to discuss the top companies in their respective categories. Through these in-depth discussions, award winners are selected. The names of award winners are held in confidence until they are announced during the formal award ceremony.
Interested in Serving on the Judging Panel?
The judging panel includes both veteran judges familiar with the award program and new judges that provide a fresh perspective.
If you would like to be considered for the judging panel, please contact Caleagh Larson at calarson@michaelbest.com or 414-225-8296.
Judge Feedback
Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year award judges volunteer their time to the program. Based on recent survey responses, they felt the experience was valuable and rewarding.
- I liked it. It was very professional and it was a privilege to be a judge.
- Went well. Very positive experience.
- Well organized, professional, and enjoyable!
- Incredibly well run. I mean it – very impressed with the process.
- Thanks for inviting me to be a judge!