WBA Executive Director Dave Schmidt (left) presented Chuck Lane with the Bakery Operation of the Year plaque and trophy during the association’s annual dinner.

The Wisconsin Bakers Association (WBA), West Allis, Wis., named Lane's Bakery & Gift Shop its 2010 Bakery Operation of the Year. The award was presented last month at an annual dinner held during the Wisconsin Restaurant Expo. Chuck Lane, who co-owns the bakery with his brother Mike, accepted the award.

“I'm very thankful for the award and for all the help other bakers have given us through the years. We couldn't have done it without you,” Lane said. He is the current past president of WBA and has served on the board for many years. Lane's Bakery, Madison, Wis., was founded in 1954 by Charles and Fay Lane.

This year's winner was chosen by past bakery of the year recipients, and criteria included: making non-monetary contributions to the bakery's community, the baking industry and WBA; something that qualifies the bakery as outstanding and/or unique; received a Bakery Operation of the Month award during the current calendar year; and must be a WBA member.

Seals of Excellence awards

Also at the Wisconsin Restaurant Show, WBA presented its 2010 Bakers Seal of Excellence awards. The program was started in 2009 to give WBA member businesses the opportunity to showcase their best products. This year's winners were:
3-D Mini Cakes: O&H Danish Bakery, Racine, Wis.
Perfect Puff Pastry: O&H Danish Bakery
Whole Grain or Artisan Bread: Uncle Mike's Bake Shoppe, De Pere, Wis.