St. Croix County, WI – January 5, 2026 –St Croix Economic Development Corporation Announces 2025 Business of the Year Award Winners
St. Croix Economic Development Corporation today announced the winners of the 2026 Business of the Year awards. The awards honor outstanding businesses for their exceptional growth, community impact, and contributions to the local economy.
“Each winner has an amazing story and brings energy and passion to what they do and how they lift our economy,” said Melissa Meschke, Executive Director of SCEDC. “This year we had so many nominations that is also another example of the energy we see every day across St. Croix County. The awards are an important way to share each organization’s success. We are looking forward to the award dinner and celebrating important success.”
The award winners will be formally recognized at the St. Croix EDC Annual Banquet on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Ready Randy’s in New Richmond. The evening will bring together business leaders, state officials, and community members for a celebration of excellence and impact. The banquet will be held from 5:00–8:00 p.m., and tickets are available for $70. For more information or to register for the event, please contact Amanda Connelly at amanda@stcroixedc.com.
This year’s award winners are:
Emerging Business of the Year:
Rodent Barriers LLC has been named St. Croix EDC’s 2025 Emerging Business of the Year, recognized for its remarkable innovation, rapid growth, and expanding regional impact. Founded in 2023 by longtime Hudson entrepreneur and inventor Jim Bradac, the company designs and manufactures patented solutions that protect highway lighting and signal pole infrastructure from two costly nationwide problems: rodent damage and copper wire theft.
Rodent Barriers LLC has developed the nation’s first customizable rodent-intrusion barriers for freeway lighting and signal poles. These products keep rodents out of poles and prevent damage to internal wiring—an issue that transportation agencies estimate causes millions of dollars in repair costs each year. All Rodent Barrier products are patented, with Jim Bradac holding nine patents that support the products manufactured in the St. Croix Valley.
In addition to rodent protection, the company has developed an anti-theft model currently being tested that is designed to prevent thieves from stealing copper wire from freeway lighting and signal poles. Copper wire theft is a significant nationwide problem, resulting in millions of dollars in damages and creating serious infrastructure and public safety concerns.
Since shipping its first model in April 2024, Rodent Barriers LLC has expanded into its own manufacturing space, doubled sales within a year, and grown its product line to more than 19 models approved for use across Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio and Michigan, with additional states pending. The company continues to advance infrastructure protection through its wire theft-deterrent technology currently being tested by the DOT.
“I’m deeply touched to receive this award and proud that this is my second Emerging Business of the Year recognition,” said Bradac. “In 2018, we received Emerging Business of the Year for our manufacturing plant, St. Croix Valley Blow Molding, which is still in business today. Being recognized again for manufacturing innovation in the St. Croix Valley is truly meaningful.”
Small Business of the Year (29 or fewer employees):
Homestead Veterinary Clinic has been named St. Croix EDC’s 2025 Small Business of the Year, honoring its sustained growth, exceptional service, and deep commitment to the Baldwin community. Founded in 2011 when Dr. Danielle Johnson purchased and rebuilt a struggling local practice, Homestead has grown from a two-person operation into a thriving clinic with three doctors and sixteen employees.
Known for innovative programs like “Free Vaccines for Life,” strong financial performance marked by consistent double-digit annual growth, and a steadfast commitment to remaining independently owned, Homestead keeps more dollars local while providing adaptable, community-focused care. The clinic is widely recognized for its charitable involvement—from donating pet food weekly to the Baldwin food shelf to supporting Helping Hands for Pets—and for Dr. Johnson’s long-standing leadership on regional health boards.
By prioritizing public health, investing in its employees, and delivering compassionate, high-quality veterinary care, Homestead Veterinary Clinic exemplifies excellence in small business and continues to play an essential role in the well-being of residents and their pets throughout St. Croix County.
Large Business of the Year (30 or more employees):
Krumm Exteriors, LLC has been named St. Croix EDC’s 2025 Large Business of the Year, honoring its nearly three decades of steady growth, industry leadership, and deep-rooted service to the St. Croix Valley. Under the ownership of Penny Austad, the company has expanded its offerings beyond roofing and siding to include advanced exterior solutions such as CertainTeed Solstice solar shingles and Versetta Stone, while also opening a Menomonie branch to better serve western Wisconsin.
With a team of 39 employees, Krumm Exteriors continues to invest in training, certifications, and technology that strengthen both customer experience and long-term operational excellence. The company’s sustained financial growth reflects disciplined planning, strong customer relationships, and a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship. Krumm Exteriors also stands out for its significant community involvement, including its award-winning contributions to Freedom Park Center, ongoing support for Habitat for Humanity, and engagement with local events and nonprofits.
Recognized on Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 list, named Business Rate’s Best Roofer in Wisconsin, and certified as a Family Friendly Workplace, Krumm Exteriors exemplifies a business that pairs technical expertise with a genuine dedication to serving homeowners, team members, and the broader community.
Non-profit of the Year:
Operation HELP has been named St. Croix EDC’s 2025 Non-Profit of the Year, honoring its transformative impact on families across St. Croix County and its innovative approach to strengthening the region’s nonprofit infrastructure.
For 35 years, Operation HELP has provided essential support to residents facing financial hardship, and in recent years has expanded significantly through the merger with the Hudson Area Backpack and Food Program and the creation of the county’s first comprehensive nonprofit hub. In 2024, the organization opened the Alliance Center—a newly renovated 20,000-square-foot facility that brings food access, emergency financial assistance, essential basic need items and referrals, and multiple partner nonprofits together under one roof.
This collaborative model has increased efficiency, reduced barriers for families, and expanded service reach to communities throughout the county and beyond. With a state-of-the-art Fresh Harvest Pantry, a growing resource center, and other programs supporting people from every walk of life who are struggling financially, Operation HELP now assists thousands of residents each year. Its nearly $4.3 million capital campaign, sustainable financial structure, and dedication to making the Alliance Center debt-free demonstrate strong stewardship and long-term vision. Guided by values of dignity, compassion, and partnership, Operation HELP exemplifies nonprofit excellence—strengthening families, supporting economic stability, and building a more resilient St. Croix County.
County Impact Award of the Year:
Limitless Cycling, a program of River Valley Trails, has been named St. Croix EDC’s 2025 County Impact Award recipient in recognition of its visionary leadership in expanding accessible outdoor recreation and strengthening community well-being across the region. What began as a grassroots effort to improve trail connectivity has evolved into a transformative, countywide force—most notably through the organization’s signature program, Limitless Cycling, which provides adaptive bicycles and Trackchairs® to residents who can no longer access the outdoors independently.
With a rapidly growing fleet, dozens of trained volunteers, and partnerships spanning senior living communities, healthcare providers, conservation groups, and county agencies, River Valley Trails now delivers more than a thousand inclusive rides annually throughout the St. Croix River Valley.
Their work directly supports county priorities around health, aging, mobility, and quality of life by ensuring residents of all abilities can enjoy parks, trails, and community spaces. As St. Croix County’s representative on the Wisconsin Bike Fed Advisory Committee, the organization also plays an important role in statewide planning and advocacy for accessible recreation.
Through innovation, collaboration, and a deep belief that the outdoors should be available to everyone, River Valley Trails has become a model for inclusive infrastructure and a powerful driver of community connection across St. Croix County.
President’s Award:
St. Croix EDC is proud to announce Tom Borowski as the recipient of the 2025 President’s Award, recognizing his outstanding leadership, service, and long-standing commitment to the St. Croix County business community. Tom has been with Health Partners since 2017 and served on the St. Croix EDC Board from 2018–2024, contributing invaluable insight and steady guidance throughout his tenure. As he prepares to retire at the end of the year, the EDC is honored to acknowledge the meaningful impact he has made on both the Hudson community and the organization. Tom’s years of service, partnership, and advocacy have strengthened the region, and his contributions will continue to benefit St. Croix County for years to come.
Each of these companies represents the spirit of innovation, growth, and community dedication. We are thrilled to honor their hard work and contributions to our region, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements at the upcoming St. Croix EDC Banquet.
Annual Banquet Registration
St. Croix EDC’s Annual Banquet is on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 PM at Ready Randy’s in New Richmond. Help us celebrate their achievements—register to attend at https://business.stcroixedc.com/events