Small Business of the Year Award

This award celebrates the small businesses that are the backbone of our communities.  All applications are held in a confidential manner. Please attach supporting documents and complete each area on the application below.

Deadline to submit this application is Friday, August 4, 2023.

Qualifications & Criteria:

The business must meet the following qualifications to be considered for this award.

• Has 15 or fewer FTEs.
• Must be a current member in good standing with The Chamber.
• Has been in business in the River Heights community for a minimum of three years
• Shows stability or growth in sales, services and/or number of individuals served and/or expanded products and services.
• Demonstrates a commitment to ethical business practices.
• Demonstrates a commitment to employee support and development.
• Demonstrates corporate citizenship and/or community leadership.

Past Award Winners

Congratulations to previous recipients who have been recognized with this award:

• 1989 – Varing Insurance – Bob Varing
• 1990 – Century 21 Kuntz Co. – Greg Kuntz
• 1991 – Kathy’s License Service – Kathy Smith
• 1992 – Inver Grove Heights Animal Hospital – Drs. James & Ann Winsor
• 1993 – Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Wass, Inc. – Jim Krech, Dan O’Brien, Brady Mueller, Brian Wass
• 1994 – Bauer Floor Covering, Inc. – Greg Bauer
• 1995 – Boche Carlson, Inc. – Gary & Karen Boche, Jeff Boche & Ole Carlson
• 1996 – Images By Design – Linda McAlpine
• 1997 – Designers of Travel – Leslie Ray
• 1998 – English-Meeker & Kandt Funeral Home – Jeff & Char Kandt & Myron & Jean Kandt
• 1999 – Bywords Printing – Nancy Fish & Jerry Payne
• 2000 – ACE Paint & Hardware – Don & Nancy Corniea
• 2001 – Pro Pharmacy – Greg & Nancy Schouweiler
• 2002 – Protouch Painting – Jim & Georgia Hoffman
• 2003 – Edward Jones & Company, South St. Paul
• 2004 – FASTSIGNS of IGH – Brian MacKenzie
• 2005 – Catch A Tan – Kevin & Kari Johnson
• 2006 – Langer Real Estate Services – Dave & Ann Langer
• 2007 – Jersey’s Bar & Grill – Bill & Shelly Ashton
• 2008 – Town Square Television – Jodie Miller
• 2009 – Schaeffer Financial – Mike Schaeffer
• 2010 – Quality Auto Care Center – Bruce Bairaktaris
• 2011 – Ultimate Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning – Jon & Val Erickson
• 2012 – Wakota Federal Credit Union – Mary Matheson
• 2013 – Cannon River Winery – John & Maureen Maloney
• 2014 – Simons Landscaping – David Simons
• 2015 – Hometown Meats – Rob & Robin Reitberger
• 2016 – Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham – Don Heikilla
• 2017 – Hardline Concrete & Masonry – Jon and Brenda Dietrich
• 2018 – Roadware Incorporated – Kelton Glewwe
• 2019 – Allrounder Remodeling, Inc. – Eric & Ruth Bader
• 2020 – Mississippi Pub – Joe and Melissa Harms
• 2021 –  Point North Networks – Brian Emerson