Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/1122874
Innovation can mean different things to different people, but it's best described as "the creation and introduction of something new that will deliver economic value," says Cheryl Perkins, founder of Innovationedge in Neenah and keynote speaker at Insight's annual THINC! event on May 9. That's exactly what we saw from the record number of nominees for the 2019 Insight Innovation Awards (see left for the whole list). The award application forms were filled with stories of businesses and organizations doing something new and different, whether it was Paper Converting Machine Co.'s Meridian laser cleaner or the scientific method Appleton's Nutritional Healing uses to design personalized nutrition and weight loss programs. Our panel of judges waded through the applications before selecting finalists and winners in each of four categories: People, Planet, Process and Product. They also decided to honor an Appleton business with a special Entrepreneurial Grit Award. In the pages that follow, you'll read about our five winners and what set them apart. First up in the People category was Lakeshore FIRST Robotics, a volunteer-led group that created an environment that took Manitowoc County from zero robotics teams in 2009 to more than 30 today. It has become a statewide model for building a robust robotics and STEM-friendly culture in the community. Our Planet winner is also from Manitowoc County — Energy Bank Inc. of Manitowoc. The company created its Fusion product, which allows energy created by the sun to directly power lights inside an industrial or commercial building. This means businesses can use less energy off the grid and save money on utility costs. Our Process category winner — Lakeland University in Plymouth — developed a cooperative education system that allows students to not only make money while in college and lower their overall debt while gaining on-the-job experience, but also helps area employers that are in dire need of workers. The program led to Lakeland's largest-ever freshman class last fall, and interest remains high for the coming school year. In the Product category, Fabio Perini North America developed wearable glasses that use augmented reality that allows technicians to "see" what problems a customer is experiencing and quickly walk them through a solution. The wearable glasses definitely have that cool factor and are a real game changer, opening the door to future ways the paper industry can utilize augmented reality. After reading Long Cheng Marketplace's application, our judges decided the Appleton business deserved to be honored with a special Entrepreneurial Grit Award. The marketplace is a business incubator for Hmong-owned businesses just starting out. In addition, it's a place where customers can purchase hard-to-find merchandise — whether it's a recipe ingredient or beauty product — and a gathering spot for community members looking to get a bite to eat at one of four restaurant counters or hold an event in the large banquet hall that's a popular spot for birthday parties and showers. At Insight, we congratulate all our nominees and look forward to seeing what pioneering ideas businesses and organizations send in for the 2020 Insight Innovation Awards. Keep reading Insight or visit us online at insightonbusiness.com for details about next year's awards. The Insight Innovation Awards are designed to encourage innovation among businesses in Northeast Wisconsin that lead to breakthrough technologies, processes and/ or company cultures and make an important, positive impact on their companies, employees, customers, vendors, industries, communities and/or the environment. Award winners serve as examples of best practices in innovation that significantly improve the bottom line, grow the business or heighten employee morale. They may also prove themselves as innovation leaders in their communities or their industries. Applications will be available online on our website later this year. Eligibility: Any company based in the 18-county region of New North that has been in business for at least one year as of Jan. 1, 2020. Companies may be headquartered outside of the region, but applicants must have leadership in Northeast Wisconsin. C E L E B R AT I N G I N N O VAT I O N 2019 INSIGHT INNOVATION AWARD NOMINEES Acuity CA Lawton Co. Carnivore Meat Co. Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Concentrix Cool Choices Corrim Co. Curt G. Joa, Inc. Dynamic Element Employ Humanity Encapsys Energy Bank Inc. Fabio Perini North America Fox World Travel GPS Education Partners Green Bay Department of Community & Economic Development Innovator's Equipment Inc. Integrity Insurance Jewelers Mutual Group Lakeland University Lakeshore FIRST Robotics Little Food Co. Long Cheng Marketplace Miron Construction Co. Inc. Network Health Nurse Practitioner Health Services LLC Nutritional Healing, LLC Paper Converting Machine Co. RealtyHive Roving Blue St. Paul Elder Services Schutt Industries Services Plus, Inc. Small Quantity Boxes Werner Electric Supply Wisconsin Plastics Inc. Wisnet.com, LLC INSIGHT INNOVATION AWARDS: Nominations accepted for 2020