Gordy Veldboom of Oostburg Concrete named 'Economic Driver of the Year' by SCEDC

SHEBOYGAN - Gordon "Gordy" Veldboom, Owner of Oostburg Concrete, has received the 2017 "Sheboygan County Economic Driver of the Year” award presented by the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation.

The business owner, who also operates Field Tree Construction Management, received the award during the SCEDC annual meeting on Thursday, Nov.9.

Veldboom dedicated the award to family, friends and to the 150 employees of Oostburg Concrete, as well as past employees that helped fuel the growth of the company.

“We have been surrounded by great people to work with in the workplace at Oostburg Concrete. We appreciate every employee we have and consider them to be part of our family,” Veldboom said. “We appreciate the network of businesses we work with at the county level and we appreciate our contractors, associations, bankers, accountants, and attorneys that all seem to have the same vision that we have, and that’s just to be a little bit better each day.”

The Sheboygan County Economic Driver of the Year award reflects the Veldboom family’s economic impact to the region.

The award was presented by Bob Werner, vice-chair of the SCEDC, who said Veldboom’s vision has helped make the Village of Oostburg one of the fastest growing communities in the Sheboygan area.

“This year’s recipient has spent a lifetime not only building a successful company, but demonstrating what its like to be an integral part of the community where he lives and works by giving back to the community his constant personal time, commitment and investment,” Werner said.

The company was founded in 1943 by the late Gordon Veldboom, Sr., and six partners. The firm started with a few second-hand trucks and trailers for moving concrete.

After starting his career at St. Paul-based Control Data Systems, Gordy returned to join the family business in 1968. Under his leadership, the company grew to more than 150 employees and a portfolio of over 15 subdivisions and 700 residential and commercial developments. Today, Oostburg Concrete is one of the largest, poured-wall and masonry contractors in Wisconsin.

“The list goes on and on. He’s touched the lives of so many,” Werner said.

Veldboom led the effort to replace the former Oostburg high school with a shopping mall that includes a Piggly Wiggly, laundromat, church, physical therapist and a Subway.

“Suffice to say that Gordy and Oostburg Concrete have helped place a tremendous foundation under many Sheboygan County homes and businesses alike," said Dave Aldag, SCEDC board chair. "His leadership also helped with the development of the Oostburg downtown development, which is immaculate, as well as their business park, which is rapidly growing and helping fuel Oostburg’s population growth.”

Veldboom’s contributions have enshrined him among other companies that have earned the SCEDC Economic Driver award, which include leaders of Acuity, American Orthodontics, Bemis Manufacturing, Kohler Co., Sargento and Vollrath Co.