Central States Manufacturing, Inc. received “Business of the Year” from the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce due to their willingness to volunteer and support the Hartford community. (Photo/Submitted) 

Sara Stadem | Editor 

Central States Manufacturing, Inc. (CSMI) was given the news by the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce that they were the winner of this year’s “Business of the Year” award. 

Chamber and Economic Development Director Amy Farr explained the “Business of the Year” is chosen based on a business’s involvement in the community, their engagement, sponsorship of activities and support. In addition to that, Farr continued to explain it’s also about getting staff involved and to understand what is it to give back to the community and to help Hartford grow and prosper. 

CSMI is always willing and ready to volunteer and support local events according to Farr. They encourage their employees to volunteer and are always looking for ways to support the community. The Chamber continued they have sponsored several events at West Central over the years including a fun day filled with bouncy houses, teacher appreciation, and many more. They truly love the Hartford Community! 

Human Resource Business Partner at CSMI Brittany Glanzer said, “Central States Manufacturing is 100% employee owned with a strong focus on customer service and giving back to our community, and it just so happens that we produce metal building components.” 

Glanzer explained when the company hears about different events or projects that are happening in the community, they are quick to volunteer their time. “We love to volunteer and participate in those events,” Glanzer stated. 

CSMI also encourages their employee owners to volunteer in the community as well. They encourage their employees to use their eight hours of paid time to participate in the different giving-back projects that the team wants to volunteer at, explained Glanzer.  

“We all have a passion for different organizations in our community so you will find many of us at the school participating or assisting with school projects such as: Dr. Seuss Birthday, Teach Appreciation, Backpack Program and Reindeer Games (Christmas parties),” Glanzer said. She continued, “We also volunteer with Make-A-Wish, The Banquet, Food Pantry, Nurse Appreciation, LifeScape, McCrossan Boys Ranch, Samaritan’s Purse, Hartford Chamber of Commerce Halloween Carnival/Truck or Treat, Humane Society and Ashley’s Kicks for Kids are just a few to name.” 

As the recipient of “Business of the Year,” Farr said CSMI received a plaque and was featured on the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and in their newsletter. 

CSMI is very excited about receiving “Business of the Year,” according to Glanzer. “The employee owners here at CSMI are very grateful for receiving “Business of the Year.” There are so many great businesses in the community that everyone should have received it after the year of 2020.” She continued, “If it wasn’t for businesses supporting one another, I’m not sure what would have happened to our small community. Instead, everyone rose to the occasion and supported one another along with our residents. We are very, very grateful for this amazing community and all the great things that are happening.” 

Stay tuned for the recipient of the “Volunteer of the Year” award in an upcoming issue!