Seven Members of the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce were honored Thursday morning at the annual Business and Community Excellence Awards.
The Business and Community Excellence Awards recognize area businesses, organizations, and community leaders that have had a positive impact on the I-94 West Region in the last year. Nominations were submitted by Chamber Members. A record number of nominations were received in several categories this year, and a new award was introduced, the President’s Award for Excellence in Community Service.
Dozens of northwest suburban business leaders meet at the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce annual Excellence Awards banquet, held last week at the Wellsted in Rogers. (Submitted photos).
The awards were presented during a breakfast April 9 at the Crown Room at the Wellstead of Rogers, which featured a keynote address by Dan Dixon of Guardian Angels. Dixon spoke about his experiences with an Elder House Mission to Tanzania, Africa.
Michael Patterson accepted the Large Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Henningson & Snoxell, Ltd., on behalf of award recipient King Solutions, Inc. King Solutions, located in Dayton, is a leading provider of international freight transportation, retail project management, global logistics, mail consolidation, fulfillment, warehousing, and more.
The Manufacturing Excellence Award, sponsored by 21st Century Bank, was accepted by Jaimie Larson of Jet Edge, Inc. Located in St. Michael, Jet Edge is a leading designer, manufacturer, and global supplier of ultra-high pressure waterjet and abrasivejet systems for precision cutting, surface penetration, and coating removal.
Jamie Larson, Jet Edge, accepts the Manufacturing Excellence award from Jamie Mueller of 21st Century Bank.
The Non-Profit Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Henningson and Snoxell, Ltd, was accepted by Tom Gregor of the Hamel Rodeo. Over its history of more than three decades, the Hamel Rodeo has raised more than $1.4 million for community organizations. Volunteers from four community service, non-profit organizations produce the Hamel Rodeo, and 100 percent of the proceeds go directly back to them. The Hamel Rodeo is held every July and is the largest rodeo in the state of Minnesota.
The Small/Medium Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Gries Lenhardt Michenfelder Allen of St. Michael, was presented to Catherine Reller and Kim Van Winkle of Country Inn and Suites – Albertville. The hotel, located next to the Albertville Premium Outlets, offers a caring, consistent, comfortable hospitality experience delivered with a touch of home. The Country Inn and Suites – Albertville was also recently recognized with the 2014 Country Inn and Suites President’s Award for achieving top scores in guest satisfaction.
The recipient of the Chuck Christian Lifetime Excellence Award, sponsored by Cabela’s and named in memory of last year’s recipient, is Paul Ederer. Ederer is a well-known leader in St. Michael and the surrounding area, a long-time banker, respected community advocate, and dedicated family man. He was one of twelve local owners of Great Northern Bank, now First American Bank, where he served as President, CEO, and Director for 14 years before his retirement in 2014.
Otsego City Administrator Lori Johnson of Otsego accepts the Excellence in Local Government award from Nick Shultz of St. Michael’s First American Bank.
The Excellence in Local Government Award was presented to Lori Johnson, City Administrator, City of Otsego. Johnson began her government accounting and management career in a county auditor’s office, was a city finance director, and eventually city administrator. She has been with the City of Otsego since July of 2011.
Kriss Mills of Cabela’s received the President’s Award for Excellence in Community Service, selected for his involvement with and support of a number of local charities and organizations.
About the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce:
The I-94 West Chamber of Commerce serves ten cities in the far northwestern suburbs of the Twin Cities Metropolitan area as well as surrounding cities. Our mission is to promote partnerships between business, government, and community, while providing information and resources, therefore creating a positive environment for the I-94 West communities.
For more information about the Business and Community Excellence Awards or about the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce, please contact: Donna J. Hartley, President of I-94 West Chamber of Commerce at 763-428-2921 or email her requests@i94westchamber.org