Major Industries and Hurtis Heating & Air
Named 2009 Small Business of the Year Recipients 

(April 20, 2009, Wausau) – More than 250 business executives gathered at the Rose Garden as the 2009 Small Business of Year Award recipients were announced. Major Industries received the 2009 award for Manufacturing/Commercial Services. Hurtis Heating & Air was named the 2009 recipient in the Retail/Services to the General Public category. The awards presentation is a program of The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce.

Pictured  (left to right) Wayne and Susie Toenjes, Major Industries and James and Bruce Hurtis, Hurtis Heating & Air.

Major Industries was founded in 1980. The company is a leader in the translucent daylighting industry. Major’s current owners, Wayne and Susie Toenjes purchased the company in 1993. During this 16-year period, sales have increased by nearly 1000 percent and the company’s facilities expanded by 75 percent to meet the increased demand for its products. Success of the company is attributed to a stronger commitment to customers and its employees. As a major manufacturer of translucent curtainwalls, the company is strategically positioned for growth as the growing interest in “green” building practices continues.

Hurtis Heating & Air started in 1952 by Gilbert Hurtis. The advent of natural gas furnaces opened new opportunities for growth in commercial and residential heating and cooling. The company now consists of a thriving oil division and a growing heating, ventilation and AC division. A relationship with Trane Company created opportunity in commercial HVAC work and then in the residential market. Hurtis now offers a full range of heating and cooling services. The company received the coveted Trane Comfort Specialist designation for its superior customer service.  

Representatives from Major Industries and Hurtis Heating & Air will officially accept their awards at the Chamber’s Small Business of the Year recognition luncheon, Friday, April 24 at the Howard Johnson Inn & Conference Center. The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce has recognized small businesses with the Small Business of the Year award each year since 1981. The award is a part of Small Business Week, April 20 -24. These activities recognize the achievements of small business in the Wausau region. A number of activities, events and programs occur during Small Business Week. For more information on Small Business Week and related activities, go to www.wausauchamber.com or follow the Chamber on Twitter at twitter.com/wausauchamber.