Artisan Forge, 2018 Paragon winners

Do you know of a local business that’s risen to the top of the class – one that’s a model for others because of its growth, innovation, and job-creation prowess? If so, you’ve got a potential Paragon Award winner on your hands. The Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corp. is seeking nominees for its annual Paragon Economic Impact Award. The award is presented early each year to a local firm that meets one or more of the following criteria: impacting the community with new, quality job opportunities; building a new facility or expanding an existing one; increasing the local tax base; continuing to educate and train its workforce; involving itself in community economic development activities; and developing new technologies and products. Recent winners of the award – which is sponsored by Royal Credit Union – include Artisan Forge Studios, Action City, Dynamic Fitness & Strength, JAMF Software, and Indianhead Foodservice Distributor. The nomination deadline is Jan. 1, and making a nomination takes just a few minutes online at www.eauclaire-wi.com/services/paragon-award. The award will be presented to the winning business at the EDC’s annual luncheon on Feb. 18 at the Florian Gardens.