CONCORDIA University Wisconsin School of Business and Legal Studies was proud to present the annual "ETHICAL BUSINESS LEADERSHIP AWARD" for 2007 at its Annual Graduation Reception. 

The purpose and vision of the School of Business and Legal Studies at Concordia is to promote intellectual development, broad understanding of professional processes on a domestic and global basis, acquisition of specialized technical skills and knowledge, and decision-making based on professional ethical values.

Criteria by which this award is judged include:

    treating employees and customers with dignity and respect,

    establishing a community corporate culture,

    treating quality as a primary focus,

    conducting business according to the Golden Rule,

    serving a a model of integrity,

    and considering the environment in all business activities.

We offer our congratulations to all of the people and companies who were nominated this year.

Over 20 individual/corporation/organizations were nominated by a diverse group of persons in Southeastern Wisconsin. These nominations were then reviewed by a committee of Faculty the School of Business and Legal Studies.  

Three finalists and one recipient were chosen from these nominations.   

             The 2007 Ethical Business Leadership Award was presented to:

                Mr. Matt Furno CEO                                     Prof. Heather Albinger

        Milwaukee Protestant Home                             Chair, Awards Committee

The nomination of Mr. Furno impressed the committee as there was clear demonstration that he impacted his work and organization in all six areas of the award criteria.  In the area of treating employees with dignity and respect, Mr. Furno's activities include new programs for emergency no-interest loans to employees, expanded reimbursement for college education, increased company contributions to retirement funds, and new benefits like long-term care and employee assistance programs.  In addition, employees receive birthday cards and gifts and annual wage evaluations to ensure payment in the top quarter of the market.  In the area of establishing a community culture, Mr. Furno requires each of his Vice Presidents to belong to a civic group and provides flexibility in working schedules for this to be a daytime commitment.  His own dedication to this area includes participation in the Village of Shorewood Board and work with his wife in advising churches during revitalization stages.  There is much to mention in treating quality as a primary focus and is evidenced by annual management training initiatives, board training, and client satisfaction surveys.  In conducting business according to the Golden Rule, Matt's view is that “we are God’s creations; therefore, we have been created equal and are commanded to treat each other in that manner"  One moving example of this was an intentional design of their new development so not to infringe on the privacy of neighboring residents that did not wish to relocate.  As a model of integrity, the nominator mentioned the difficult balancing act of sharing good and bad news with the senior population.  Within that context, Mr. Furno has committed himself to keeping people informed, and keeping communication and support available.  And finally, in the area of consideration of the environment, Mr. Furno worked with the DNR during recent development activity to minimize impacts of much development on the environment including support of the wetlands and using a green roof and sophisticated HVAC systems which minimize needs for electricity.  The list of things to share about his leadership is extensive and it is truly a pleasure to present Mr. Matt Furno with the 2007 award for Ethical Business Leadership.

The three Finalists were:

Sheila Davidson   Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

In the areas of treating employees and customers with dignity and respect, establishing a community corporate culture, and consideration of the environment, Sheila Davidson, the Vice President of Circulation at Journal Communications is being recognized as a finalist.  Ms. Davidson was nominated by one of her employees who described many of the reasons she was selected for this award.  During the past two years, Ms. Davidson has developed various employee programs that involve them in open and honest discussion and recognize them for excellence.  In addition to this, she has worked to provide recyclable plastic bags as part of the am paper delivery process and also demonstrates her commitment to community through her work for the Ronald McDonald House Charity and teaching Sunday School.  These are just a few of the many highlights of her nomination.   

Joseph DeRosa             DeRosa Corporation

In the areas of conducting business according to the Golden Rule and serving as a model of integrity, I present to you another finalist, Mr. Joseph DeRosa of DeRosa Corporation.  This individual was nominated by the spouse of one of his employees which spoke to us about the depth of dedication employees have to this leader.  The nominator mentions that Mr. DeRosa treats people who work for him as members of a team and respects and seeks out opinions from the dishwashers and line-cooks as well as his corporate employees.  Mr. DeRosa expects hard work and honesty and displays those values in his leadership.  Personal profits from the business have gone to establish "HeartLove Place" to help those in need in our inner city.  The nominator indicates that her husband's job has been more than just a paycheck for their family, it has been a comfort in knowing that her husband can do his job in a ethical way and be proud of it.

James Schwertferger   Northwestern Mutual Financial Services

In the areas of establishing a community corporate culture and serving as a model of integrity, our third finalist, Mr. James Schwertfeger, is also being named as a finalist tonight.  Mr. Schwertfeger, who is retiring as the managing partner of Northwester Mutual, has served as a Christian example of integrity and ethics to many of his employees and clients.  This modeling of integrity is what presented as the main theme in his nomination papers.  Mr. Schwertfeger has taught those around him that a great leader should never have to tell you how to live, but rather show you through his actions.  In creating community, he gives of time and resources to Children’s Hospital, the Blood Center, and Independence First.

This event is held every spring and brings together students from the undergraduate and MBA programs, along with faculty and administration to formally recognize the outstanding achievements of both students and faculty.  

  The following awards are presented each year:

  Student of the Year

          Is presented to the best overall student in academics, curricular activities and leadership abilities.

  Wall Street Journal Award

          Is presented by the Educational Service Bureau of the Dow Jones Company for student achievement in business management.

  The American Bicentennial Award

          Established by Mr. E. R. Brann this award is presented for superior achievement in business.

  Faculty Member of the Year (Graduate & Undergraduate)

 OUTSTANDING UNDERGRADUATE  BUSINESS STUDENT

 OUTSTANDING UNDERGRADUATE LEGAL STUDIES STUDENT

 OUTSTANDING UNDERGRADUATE FACULTY MEMBER

   THE WALL STREET JOURNAL AWARD 

    THE AMERICAN BICENTENNIAL AWARD  

 OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT

OUTSTANDING GRADUATE FACULTY MEMBER