Chamber names business award

Three local organizations were named winners of annual awards given by the Wauwatosa Chamber of Commerce.

Wangard Partners

Wangard Partners won the chamber's regional impact award, recognizing the company's presence and commitment in Wauwatosa and the surrounding region. The chamber recognized Wangard for providing major community support and sponsorships, gifts and/or financial benefits, demonstrating its commitment to the area.

Wangard Partners, with home offices in the High Pointe Office Center at 1200 N. Mayfair Road, is a real estate developer, property manager and investment broker founded in 1992.

"We believe our job is to build communities, and that includes job creation," Stewart Wangard, chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "We've been able to create over 400 jobs in the Milwaukee area just this past year with different developments, and we're looking to increase that next year."

Wangard said the company also develops residential projects, focusing on "common areas and public spaces to improve quality of life."

Schroeder Solutions

The chamber this year named Schroeder Solutions winner of its small business community award. Schroeder, at 1920 S. Calhoun Road, New Berlin, is a longtime member of the Tosa chamber.

Created in 2000 from the merger of two existing companies, Schroeder designs and installs interior workspaces, including layout services and furniture, and handles office and industrial relocation. Schroeder was recognized as a company of less than 100 employees that has been active in the community through volunteering and sponsoring events and associations, the chamber said.

"I would estimate over 25 percent of our workforce is involved in charitable organizations and activities," Scott Gierhahn, president and CEO, said in a statement. "In addition to supporting the community with our sponsorships and volunteer activities, we also support not-for-profit clients by providing our services at reduced rates."

East Tosa Alliance

Finally, the chamber recognized the East Tosa Alliance with its civic appreciation award. Formed in 2007, the East Tosa Alliance has promoted the development of North Avenue between 60th and 76th streets as a commercial district. A group of business owners and community members, the alliance has helped to recruit new businesses to the area, including Rocket Baby Bakery, Juniper 61, North Avenue Grill and Bel Air Cantina. The group also sponsors events to draw interest in the area.

Next summer, the alliance plans to bring a stage of the Tour of America's Dairlyland bike race to North Avenue, which is expected to draw a large number of spectators.

"This group of citizens decided what kind of neighborhood they wanted to live in and then went out and made it happen," 5th District Alderman Bobby Pantuso said.

The chamber's awards will be presented Jan. 17 at the Wauwatosa Community Annual Showcase and Social at the Crowne Plaza Milwaukee-Wauwatosa, 10499 Innovation Road, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. An after-party starting at 7 p.m. will be held at Innovations, adjacent to the hotel, with food, music and prizes.

For more information, contact the chamber at (414) 453-2330.