The Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce named Waupaca Foundry, a Hitachi Metals group company, the 2018 Large Business of the Year. The chamber recognized the iron casting component supplier for its business practices and commitment to the community.

To be eligible for the award, the business must demonstrate economic enhancement to the area, provide service to the community, enhance the community image and enrich community life.

Waupaca Foundry has a history of providing leadership, financial, and in-kind support to schools, nonprofit organizations, and civic and environmental initiatives. The foundry is the largest employer in Waupaca County and extends its spirit of teamwork by supporting the community.

"Waupaca Foundry has been a mainstay of the community since 1955," said Kirk Kallio, director of human resources for Waupaca Foundry, who also sits on the chamber's board. "One of our key initiatives is to provide good jobs and career advancement for the people of Waupaca and surrounding areas so together we can best serve our customers and our community."

"We are so fortunate to have Waupaca Foundry in our community," said Terri Schulz, president of the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce.

"They are a very generous corporate citizen supporting our schools and nonprofit organizations financially along with donations of equipment, supplies and volunteers."

This story was published in March 2019 by Insight Magazine and can be found on page 15.