Pro Weld, Inc. of White City was one of four Oregon companies receiving the 2005 Excellence in Family Business Awards presented by Oregon State University’s Austin Family Business Program Thursday night at the Portland Zoo.
Pro Weld, Inc., owned by James and Penny Oberlander, won top honors in the small business category, which includes businesses with 10 to 24 employees.
Pro Weld specializes in custom construction and technical welding. Judges chose this company because of its ability to involve family in all aspects of business; its innovative business direction; strong involvement within the community; and strong marketing plan.
Other finalists in this category were Nesko Rock of McMinnville and Peninsula Glass Co. of Vancouver, Wash.
Consolidated Supply Co. of Portland earned honors as the top large business. This category includes companies with 100 or more employees. Consolidated is a wholesaler of plumbing parts and fixtures. Judges cited the company’s ease of succession after a death in the family, commitment to communication with family and employees, and business longevity.
The top business in the medium category (25 to 99 employees) was Tec Laboratories, Inc. of Albany. The company makes a host of products, including Tecnu and CalaGel, designed to alleviate skin discomfort.
Heceta Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast of Yachats won the award in the micro category, which includes businesses with nine or fewer employees.