This week, the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce held their annual State of Wisconsin Business Event at the Monona Terrace in Madison, Wis.

Keynote speakers included: Dr. Martin A. Regalia, Senior Vice President for Economic and Tax Policy and Chief Economist at the United States Chamber of Commerce; Stephen Moore, Chief Economist at The Heritage Foundation; and Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch. The event also featured a business panel with: Damond Boatwright, Regional President/CEO of Hospital Operatons, SSM Health Care of Wisconsin; Brad DeNoyer, Partner, Baker Tilly; and John Pfeifer, President, Mercury Marine.

This year’s event also marked the ceremony for the first ever Wisconsin Business Achievement Award. The award was given to Kapco, Inc., located in Grafton, which is a full-service metal components manufacturer, with over 500 employees and six locations. The winner of the Wisconsin Business Achievement Award is also provided with $50,000 to give to a Wisconsin non-profit organization. Kapco, Inc. is giving their $50,000 donation to Hometown Heroes, an organization that supports families of veterans and first responders. The donation money is funded by the Flowers Family Foundation Inc.