A well known business that has been part of the Door County scene since 1955 was honored as the Industry of the year Wednesday at the annual meeting of the Door County Economic Development Corporation. Wood Orchard, a family owned fruit farm located in the Town of Sevastopol, was recognized for its leadership, innovation & diversity in a highly competitive field. Steve Wood accepted the award on behalf of his family & employees. The firm grows apples, strawberries, raspberries, cherries & apples on the door peninsula. Steve’s wife Janice, manages Wood Orchard Market, just north of Egg Harbor, where items grown in their orchards, gift items, specialty foods & bakery are sold. Steve’s grandson Jeff manages the growing operation. Wood Orchard also has a store in Green Bay & is putting the elements together to begin marketing dried apples. This year marks the 39th year that the industry of the year award has been handed out in Door County.
Symbolizing the impact of the global economy locally, the 9th annual Door County entrepreneur of the year award was given to a company that does a high percentage of its business outside of the United States. Dan’s Fish, Incorporated of Sturgeon Bay, owned & operated by Dan Schwarz, specializes in the sale of fresh water fish, caviar, breaded seafood & cheese. The company owns & operates Sturgeon Bay Cold Storage & Seafood International, based in the eastern European country of Estonia. Schwarz formed his company in 1992 &, for several years, has conducted the caviar business with companies from Sweden, Finland, Norway, Estonia, Japan, Russia & other countries. In 2009, Dan’s Fish was named the Wisconsin small business exporter of the year by the federal small business administration.
