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The Association for Corporate Growth – Wisconsin Chapter (ACG Wisconsin) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 ACG Wisconsin Outstanding Corporate Growth Award and the 2026 ACG Wisconsin Leadership Award.
- Culver’s has been selected to receive the Outstanding Corporate Growth Award.
- Gale Klappa, Chairman Emeritus, WEC Energy Group, has been selected to receive the Leadership Award.
- ACG Wisconsin will celebrate the awardees during a luncheon on Friday, November 13, 2026.
ABOUT THE AWARDEES
Culver's
Founded in Sauk City, Wisconsin, in 1984, Culver’s has grown from a single-family restaurant into a nationally recognized brand with nearly 1,100 restaurants across 26 states. Based in Prairie du Sac, the company is known for its ButterBurgers®, Fresh Frozen Custard and commitment to hospitality.
Culver’s growth story brings together an expanding restaurant network, a distinctive brand and a culture centered on its guests, team members and local owner-operators. Its community commitments include the Culver’s Give Local program, scholarships for team members and the Thank You Farmers® Project, which supports agricultural education and the future of farming.
“Culver’s shows how a company can grow nationally while keeping its Wisconsin roots and people at the center of its business,” said Andrew DeGuire, James H. Keyes Dean of the College of Business Administration, Marquette University, and ACG Wisconsin Board member. “We are proud to recognize a brand whose growth story highlights the connection between a strong culture, a clear vision and lasting business success.”
“This recognition belongs to the owner-operators, team members and support staff who deliver on Culver’s mission that every guest who chooses Culver’s leaves happy,” said Julie Fussner, Chief Executive Officer. “As we continue to grow, our focus remains on serving our guests with genuine hospitality, creating opportunities for our people and supporting the communities we call home.”
Gale Klappa, Chairman Emeritus, WEC Energy Group
Gale Klappa joined Wisconsin Energy in 2003 and became chairman and chief executive officer in 2004. He led the company’s acquisition of Integrys Energy Group in 2015, creating WEC Energy Group and expanding its reach across the Midwest. His tenure emphasized financial discipline, customer service and investment in reliable energy infrastructure.
“Gale’s leadership has helped shape both a major Wisconsin company and the region’s economic future,” said Andrew DeGuire. “His ability to connect a long-term vision with decisive action exemplifies the leadership this award celebrates.”
Klappa’s influence extends beyond the energy industry. As co-chair of Milwaukee 7, Southeastern Wisconsin’s regional economic development initiative, he has helped advance efforts to attract business investment and create jobs. His work reflects a commitment to bringing business and community leaders together around opportunities for regional growth.
“I am honored to receive this recognition from ACG Wisconsin,” said Klappa. “Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside talented people who share a commitment to serving our customers and strengthening our communities. This award reflects their contributions as well as our shared belief in Wisconsin’s future.”
In 2026, WEC Energy Group named Klappa Chairman Emeritus in recognition of his decades of service—the first person to receive that distinction in the company’s history.
ACG Wisconsin will celebrate the awardees on Friday, November 13th at 12:00 p.m.
https://www.acg.org/wisconsin/events
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