Business of the year goes to...

For the third year in a row, the Waseca Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Business and Industry Celebration at the Mill in Waseca, on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022. Five awards were given out, the most notable, the People’s Choice award, going to 4-Seasons Apparel and More. 

During Covid, 4-Seasons was in a difficult situation. Faced with the threat of closing, the company decided to rebrand instead, changing from 4-Seasons Athletic to 4-Seasons Apparel and More. This opened the company’s marketing opportunities to a wider area, something owners Jeremiah and Jayla Miller claim saved their business. “The name change gave us the power of a network to reach far and wide,” Jeremiah said as he and Jayla accepted the award. “We want to say thank you. To Waseca, and our supporters.” 

The Millers joked that they had a feeling they would win after they weren’t asked to be presenters for the program, a role they are accustomed to filling. “That kind of gave it away,” Jeremiah quipped.

Four other awards were announced during Wednesday’s program. The event, which used to be a lunchtime ceremony, has roots going back to the ‘70s and originally only recognized one area company with the title “Business of the Year.” 

“Chamber members expressed an interest for change,” President Ann Fitch told the Pioneer. “We opted for an evening program and now give out awards voted on by our members.”

Of the five awards, two or three rotate each year, with the People’s Choice and Legacy awards categories staying the same. President Fitch said the chamber is considering keeping the “young entrepreneur” award a constant as well. 

More than 35 businesses were nominated for the different categories. A Chamber committee selects the year’s categories; Chamber members vote to select the winners. The only publicly voted on category is the People’s Choice award, which received more than 400 votes on the Chamber’s Facebook page during the first week of voting alone. 

This year’s other award winners, and categories follow: 

Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm

The Young Entrepreneur:  award goes to a local business that is innovative, resourceful, imaginative, and also,owned by people under 40. “We’ve watched these guys grow up over the last 8 years,” Fitch introduced. “They are a destination haven for friends, family and foodies. Congratulations Emily and Bill Knudsen.”

“This is really great, but I really can’t believe I’m gonna be 40,” Emily joked. “Honestly we didn’t think we were gonna get this. Thank you all for supporting the Pizza Farm all these years.” 

The Bar on Main

The “Social Media Rising Star” Award is a new recognition given to a business which “knocks it out of the park,” a business known for being  up and coming. This year’s award went to two best friends, Makayla Selvik and Sarah Kay Hoffman, who came together to start a business. Selvik said the two like to let their employees have fun and “communicate what we have going on in our venues in a fun way.” 

“Sometimes Makayla gets embarrassed, but we do it anyway,” Hoffman joked. “The girls have a lot of fun.”

“Oh and our husbands help,” Selvik poked back. “They help take care of the kids!”

As the pair left the stage, Fitch added. “You have no idea what it took to get them and their husbands here today (and away from work and their kids.).” 

All of the awards are a complete surprise to those who win, so sometimes, Fitch and the chamber have to find creative ways to get chamber members to an event like this. “You can’t tell them all my secrets!” Fitch told the Pioneer. 

Connors Plumbing and Heating

More than 60% of businesses don’t make it past their first 10 years. The Legacy Award goes to a business which has been around more than 40 years. “This business crushed the odds and took their father’s business to new levels,” Fitch announced. “Connors Plumbing and Heating… Peggy was really wondering why Scott wanted to come tonight.” 

“I just thought he wanted a nice meal!!” Peggy Hildebrandt gasped! 

“Our customers make it possible to have our guys doing the great work they do,” Hildebrandt said. “Thank you.” 

Keen Bank

“For this business, giving back is a way of life,” Fitch said. “They have a long track record of giving. Their new name does not stop their generosity. Thank you Keen Bank.” 

The Impact Award highlights and recognizes a business for giving back to the community. 

The Bluejay debit card program offered by Keen Bank has been around since 2003 and has given back more than a quarter of a million dollars. 

“Being a part of the community means giving back to the community,” bank president Bernie Gaytko said. “We’ve been around since 1874 and hopefully a lot longer. We look forward to giving back to our community.”

After all the awards were distributed, Chamber President Fitch thanked all of the night’s sponsors, the Boat House for catering, and the Mill for providing a fantastic venue. The night’s Title sponsors were Birds Eye Foods and ConAgra. Other event supporters were: Keen Bank, Cinch, United Prairie Bank, iCan, Mediacom, Suburban Furniture, MinnWest Bank, Rotary International, iWealth, The Mill, and Quality Print. 

The next scheduled chamber event will be an Ambassador Bash community party featuring the Dueling Pianos, Jan. 14, 2023 at the Starfire Event Center.