Spotlight Award Submissions

A. Prepare Your Application

Create a PDF (maximum 12 pages) including the following:

  1. Spotlight Award Category
    • Specify which Special Award category you are applying for. Each company may apply for a maximum of two Spotlight Awards per year, with a separate application required for each.
      • Business Resilience & Growth
        • Companies that exemplify outstanding resilience or sustained growth through forward-thinking strategies or creative solutions in a challenging business environment.
      • Community Impact & Investment
        • Good neighboring companies that strengthen the state’s economy and civic life through factors such as local involvement, sustainability, education, partnerships, and philanthropy.
      • Excellence in Product & Process Innovation
        • Companies that drive innovation in products and processes while improving efficiency through lean practices and quality control.
      • Commitment to Workforce
        • Companies that show excellent care for workers, development, and long-term investment in people through employee commitment, safety, training, encompassing a continuous improvement culture.
  2. Company Introduction
    • Introduce your company and describe the products it manufactures.
  3. Provide a detailed explanation of why your company merits recognition in the Spotlight Award category for which you are applying.
  4. Describe your company’s role in helping shape or improve the Wisconsin manufacturing industry.
  5. Digital Artwork (for banquet presentation)
    • Submit high-resolution (300 dpi, 4”x6”) images:
      • Executive photo
      • Company Exterior
      • Product(s)
      • Manufacturing floor/process
      • Company logo (EPS vector preferred; JPG acceptable)
      • Optional: Employee group photo

B. Submit Your Application

Applicants may submit their application via the online form below, with digital artwork files uploaded separately. Applications are due Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Apply for Spotlight Awards

C. Attend the Awards Banquet

All nominees will receive registration information in mid-January for the black-tie awards banquet at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee in February.