Stoughton Trailers received a special award during the annual Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Award dinner May 4 at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Smith & Gesteland, LLP, a Madison-based CPA and Business Consulting firm, First Business Bank and the Husch Blackwell law firm, highlights and celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of family businesses that make an impact on their communities and the Wisconsin economy.
Stoughton won a “Pulling for Success” award, one of five special awards presented.
Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges from nominations solicited from family businesses in Wisconsin. Criteria for selection include the family business' contribution to its community and industry, its positive links between family and business, and innovative practices used in its business.
Since the Great Recession of 2008 when the company had to reduce its workforce to 250, Stoughton Trailers has grown to seven plants and 1,600 employees. Stoughton’s resiliency and perseverance during that recession contributed to the decision of the judges. Stoughton was also judged on its creation of a well-funded foundation, dedication to its employees, and core values, according to the announcement.
“It is an honor to the company as well as my dad, Don Wahlin, that Stoughton Trailers received the Special Award “Pulling for Success,” said Bob Wahlin, president and CEO of Stoughton Trailers. “We are proud of our employees that made this award possible.”