Charter Steel president honored for creating community partnerships

The Saukville Chamber of Commerce named Charter Steel President Tim Lorge its Individual of the Year Award earlier this month.

Lorge, a Port Washington native who has been president of Charter Steel for two years, said he is honored by the award.

“It’s really cool to be recognized for running a company that’s close to where I was born,” he said.

Chamber Executive Director Mike Cosgrove said, “Tim Lorge has a mentoring, driven, leadership style that has been wildly successful throughout his career by encouraging growth and success in all those he works with.  

“Tim has led Charter Steel to many great partnerships throughout the community — especially with the Port Washington-Saukville School District — creating a great out-of-the-classroom learning experience for students that will serve as a great basis as they start their careers.”

Since taking over as president of the steel-making company at 1658 Cold Springs Rd., Lorge has emphasized community involvement.

Lorge said Charter Steel is involved with Ozaukee Economic Development and the Chamber and has hosted the Saukville Business Forum Breakfast.

“Over the last two years, we’ve been trying to have more of a community presence with what we do,” he said. “We want to be a partner in the community and have an impact.”

The company also supports the Port  Washington-Saukville School District by having field trips at the facility, which introduces students to the various job opportunities at the company.

“We want to make sure the kids are getting the best educational opportunities and exposure to what we do here at Charter Steel,” Lorge said, noting his company has an apprenticeship program for students.

Lorge credits his employees for the Chamber award because of their support of the Saukville community.

“We’re a company with a great culture. We have a lot of people in our organization that are giving back every day, whether they’re on the School Board or Village Board they want to make a difference,” Lorge said. “We want to be stewards and partner with our community.”

The Chamber also awarded Village President Barb Dickmann with the Government Service Award and Village Trustee Joe Caban with the Government Achievement Award. The Organization of the Year is the Saukville Community Food Pantry and Business of the Year is Aurora Healthcare.

The recipients will receive their awards during the Chamber awards dinner on Tuesday, May 14, at Messina Restaurant & Lounge.