Awards were announced at the organization’s 31st Annual Banquet in New Richmond
1/27/25
Contact: Amanda Connelly | amanda@stcroixedc.com | 715-690-2110
(NEW RICHMOND, WI) St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) announced the winners of its Business of the Year awards that honor outstanding businesses for their exceptional growth, community impact, and contributions to the local economy. The three award winners are: Perceptive Avionics as the Emerging Business of the Year, Knoke’s Nuts and More as the Small Business of the Year, and RESCO as the Large Business of the Year.
“These are great businesses that bring energy and innovation to our community and our local economy,” said Susan Yohnk-Lockwood, SCEDC’s 2024-2025 Board President and Vice President, Institutional Effectiveness for Northwood Technical College. “There is great energy here across the county and we are excited to be able to recognize these organizations.”
Each of the winners received a glass award from SCEDC, a legislative citation from Representatives Kreibich and Zimmerman, a citation from Congressman Tom Tiffany, a citation from Senator Tammy Baldwin, and a citation from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Missy Hugues.
The SCEDC Annual Banquet was one of SCEDC’s top attended banquets in history, drawing a crowd of over 200 attendees. “The event had such great energy, and it was inspiring to watch connections be made between attendees from all sectors,” said Melissa Meschke, Executive Director for SCEDC. “We were so glad to see so many people come out to congratulate our award winners as well.” Representatives from healthcare, manufacturing, higher education, insurance, banking, childcare, construction, utilities, commercial real estate, municipalities and more industries were present.
The event was sponsored by St. Croix County, Xcel Energy, Derrick Building Solutions, St. Croix Electric Cooperative, Royal Credit Union, First State Bank and Trust, Valley Agencies, OEM Fabricators, Bakke Norman, FNC Bank, Hiawatha National Bank, Cannaday Bloom, Alera Group, Citizens State Bank, Daymakers Moving and Storage, WBD, Hudson Hospital & Clinic, Westfields Hospital & Clinic, Market & Johnson, Northwood Technical College, Nucor, Hudson Physicians and First National Bank of River Falls.
Emerging Business of the Year: Perceptive Avionics
Perceptive Avionics, an FAA-certified repair station in New Richmond, Wisconsin, specializes in aircraft avionics sales, installation, and design services. Since its founding, the company has grown rapidly, doubling sales in 2024 with an even stronger outlook for 2025. “Receiving this recognition is an incredible honor,” said Jay Schrankler, President and co-founder at Perceptive Avionics. “Our highly trained team works tirelessly to provide exceptional service to the general aviation industry, and this award reaffirms our commitment to excellence and innovation in avionics.”
2024 Emerging Business of the Year – Perceptive Avionics
(L-R) Lucian Banitz, Melissa Meschke, Jay Schrankler, Barry Hammarback, Rob Nourse
Small Business of the Year: Knoke’s Nuts and More
Knoke’s Nuts and More, a staple in Hudson, produces high-quality chocolates, caramels, nuts, and popcorn. In 2023, the company expanded with a renovated downtown storefront and a larger production facility. Its products are now available nationwide. “We are truly honored to be named Small Business of the Year,” said Dave Knoke, Owner at Knoke’s Nuts and More. “This recognition is a testament to our dedicated employees and loyal customers who have supported us for over twenty years.”
2024 Small Business of the Year – Knoke’s Nuts and More
(L-R) Melissa Meschke, Kim Tuccitto, Mandy Zimmerman
Large Business of the Year: RESCO
RESCO, based in Hudson and River Falls, has been a cornerstone of the local economy for over 38 years. Recent expansions include a 54,000 sq. ft. facility in Sterling Ponds Corporate Park and a 16,500 sq. ft. addition to its Hudson headquarters, creating 15+ new jobs. “It is a great honor to have our team be recognized by the SCEDC. Most of our employees live right here in Western Wisconsin and are part of the fabric of the larger community.” said Tim Strand President at RESCO. “Our people Honestly Care, Push for Better and Don’t Miss for our clients. To be able to support national brands from our small but mighty corner of the world is something we are extremely grateful for. You can do big things from right here in the St Croix Valley and we see the area as a vibrant home for growth and opportunities in business and beyond.”
2024 Large Business of the Year – RESCO
(L-R) Eric Strand, Veronica Strand, Connor O’Keefe, Tim Strand, Melissa Meschke, Lynn French, Seri Liggett
SCEDC congratulates all the winners and looks forward to celebrating their continued success.
About the St. Croix County Economic Development Corporation
The SCEDC is a 501(c)6 that serves all of St. Croix County, Wisconsin by focusing on fostering economic development through workforce development, housing, entrepreneurial development, business expansion and retention, business attraction and recruitment, and ecosystem building. St. Croix EDC also strives to grow collaboration between the 35 towns, cities, and villages in St. Croix County as well as working closely with Pierce and Polk County to grow the St. Croix Valley as a whole. To learn more please visit stcroixedc.com
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