Submitted by Amanda Connelly, St. Croix EDC
HUDSON, WI – St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is proud to announce the winners of this year’s prestigious Business of the Year awards, honoring outstanding businesses for their exceptional growth, community impact, and contributions to the local economy.
The award winners will be recognized at the St. Croix EDC Annual Banquet, held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Ready Randy’s in New Richmond, where business and state leaders and community members will come together to celebrate their accomplishments. The event runs from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and tickets are $67.
This year’s award winners are as follows:
Emerging Business of the Year (five or fewer years in business): “Perceptive Avionics”
Perceptive Avionics, located in New Richmond, Wisconsin, is an FAA-certified repair station specializing in aircraft avionics, including product sales, installation, design services and biannual certification. In just a few short years, the company has achieved significant milestones, such as, becoming a Garmin dealer, hiring its fifth FAA-certified repairman and expanding its innovative product offerings with the addition of Avidyne, Aspen, Dynon and Levil avionics including the new Levil BOM (Broadcasting Outer Module), which enhances flight safety and reliability. The company actively develops new products such as on-field weather assessment software, collision avoidance systems, and AI-driven design tools. In 2024, their sales doubled from 2023, and they are on track for even greater growth in 2025.
In addition to business accomplishments, Perceptive Avionics is deeply committed to community engagement. The company supports the local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) chapter, organizes youth aviation events, and volunteers at veterans’ events, including providing helicopter experiences in a Vietnam-era Huey. Employees also contribute to local STEM education by hosting school tours and promoting aviation careers.
Small Business of the Year (29 employees or fewer): “Knoke’s Nuts and More”
Knoke’s Nuts and More, a beloved staple in Hudson, Wisconsin, has expanded its operations significantly in recent years. In 2023, the business purchased and renovated a new storefront in downtown Hudson, Knoke’s Chocolates and Nuts, while also expanding its production facility, Knoke’s Nuts and More in the Hudson Industrial Park. The company produces a variety of confections, including chocolates, caramels, nuts, and popcorn, which are sold nationwide and in Midwest grocery stores.
Knoke’s Nuts and More has been a key part of the Hudson community for over 20 years, providing employment opportunities for local high school students and collaborating with organizations like Bridges to employ adults with disabilities. The business has also been featured on national cooking shows such as “Cake Boss” and “Martha Stewart.” Owner Dave Knoke is a strong supporter of local youth sports and a long-time member of the Hudson Chamber of Commerce.
Large Business of the Year (30 or more employees): “RESCO”
RESCO, based in Hudson and River Falls, Wisconsin, has been a major employer in St. Croix County for over 38 years. The company has been experiencing growth with multiple new clients, notably expanding its operations supporting its partnership with The Wonderful Company, a leading national food and beverage products company. Recent growth resulted in the hiring of 15+ new employees and expanding into two new facilities: a 54,000 sq. ft. facility in the Sterling Ponds Corporate Park and a 16,500 sq. ft. addition to its Hudson headquarters.
Driven by a culture rooted in its core values — “We Honestly Care, We Push for Better, and We Don’t Miss”— the RESCO team delivers exceptional sales and marketing fulfillment services tailored to the unique needs of food and beverage manufacturers. Beyond business, RESCO has long supported local initiatives through collaborations with Hudson Rhinos and United Way, fostering a spirit of shared success and connection within the St Croix Valley.
Each of these companies represents the spirit of innovation, growth, and community dedication. We are thrilled to honor their hard work and contributions to our region, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements at the upcoming St. Croix EDC Banquet.
For more information or to register for the event, please contact Amanda Connelly at amanda@stcroixedc.com.
