Century 21 gets Small Business of the Year

By Hub City Times staff

MARSHFIELD – Local businesses were recognized during the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s (MACCI) 73rd annual meeting held Jan. 23 at the Marshfield Eagles’ Club.

Wenzel’s Farm was named as MACCI’s Firm of the Year for 2019. Mark Vieth accepted the award on behalf of the company, which was also named as the chamber’s Firm of the Year in 1968.

Rita Blenker, Century 21 Gold Key, accepts the 2019 Small Business of the Year award from MACCI Board President Matt Eckelberg. Hub City Times staff photo

“I have a picture of the award that we won back in 1968 sitting outside my office,” Vieth said. “I’ve always wondered what it would be like to win. I can just say it is such an honor.”

Wenzel’s Farm was founded in 1949 and still operates out of the original barn in which the brand originated. The company has seen employment grow by 50 percent since the start of 2017, while annual sales have doubled. A second shift was added in the fall of 2017.

Meanwhile, the annual Small Business of the Year honor went to Rita Blenker and the team at Century 21 Gold Key Realty, who was quick to thank her office staff.

“This is not for me, this is for all of you,” she said, adding that she is also grateful to the community for always “having her back.”

“I have your back, and I always will,” she added.

Century 21 is celebrating 40 years in business this year and has grown to 21 employees. The business has outgrown three different locations and recently expanded into the Neillsville market. Century 21 will be honored at a special recognition breakfast in May.

Also that night, MACCI’s 24th annual service award went to Chamber Ambassador Kathy Meidl. Among other things, Meidl has done Crystal Apple Award presentations, and has volunteered for the Marshfield Area United Way, Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Nutrition on Weekends program, the annual Palm Sunday Concert, the Festival of Lights, and Feed My Starving Children.

Michelle Boernke was also recognized last night as MACCI’s Leadership Marshfield Alumnus of the Year.

Boernke has served on the Marshfield Area Community Foundation Board of Directors and MACCI’s Small Business Council, is a member of the Noon Rotary Club, serves on the selection panel for the Crystal Apple awards program, and is a strong United Way supporter.  She was also instrumental in bringing a gymnastics program to the Marshfield community and taught youth for many years.

Michelle is a 2004 graduate of the Leadership Marshfield program, now in its 27th year.

A total of 64 Marshfield businesses were also recognized for anniversaries ranging from one year to 120 years.