2024 Sauk Centre Serves Awards

Sauk Centre Serves Awards

The Sauk Centre Serves awards are a great opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of our locally owned businesses and others who make Sauk Centre a great place to live, work, and visit!

Question Title

* 1. New Business of the Year: We want to recognize our chamber members that are starting out, that took a leap of faith, and have launched their business in Sauk Centre in 2024!

ET Fitness

Oaks Tree Service

Norgren Plumbing

I don't know

Share your feedback regarding your selection so we can share the kind words with our nominees

Question Title

* 2. Small Business of the Year: This member business may be a solo entrepreneur or have as many as 10 employees. These businesses can often be found promoting and supporting the chamber and fellow businesses in the community.

Bear Trap

Boyer Motor

Jessica's Shear Paradise

Joyful Blooms Flower Co.

Little Sauk Legion

I don't know

Share your feedback regarding your selection so we can share the kind words with our nominees

Question Title

* 3. Business of the Year: This member business has shown growth in job opportunities, an increase in sales/production and contributes to improvement in our community. Giving of their time and resources, encourage volunteerism, and they work to further promote our businesses and community.

AmericInn by Wyndham

John Wiese Ford

Minnesota National Bank

Redhead Creamery & Spirits

Winters Recreation

I don't know

Share your feedback regarding your selection so we can share the kind words with our nominees

Question Title

* 4. Employee of the Year: Taking the time to recognize employees that go above and beyond in their role or duties. Hard working individuals that are the backbone and excellent representatives their business.

(Below are the nominees and some of the comments left by community members who nominated them)

Cheryl Messer - Tutti Fruitti:
Cheryl wears many hats at Tutti Fruitti. She arrives by 5:00 am every morning and begins the baking of breads, pies, rolls etc. She cooks at 7:00 am when we open until our head cook arrives for the day, then she starts waitressing, running the till, helping customers outside if needed, answers phones. Cheryl has that bubbly and joking around personality that our customers love and is always ready to help wherever needed.

Cindy Stepan - The Palmer House:
Her knowledge of not only The Palmer House, but of Sauk Centre and its history, places of interest, along with their locations, times of business, etc., is unparalleled. What she might not chance to memory, she maintains her stash of where to get answers at a moment’s notice. She is the best depiction of what any business could hope to retain in an employee. She is fluent in “all things Palmer House” (and we/she get asked ALL the time), as well as cooking, cleaning, hotel reservations and whipping up the latest drinks in the Pub! Her positive demeanor, incredible attention to detail and never wavering positive attitude towards everyone and everything make her such an incredible asset to all of the employees, as well as all of the guests. Cindy (without anyone asking) will step up to the plate and fill in shifts that we find ourselves in trouble with. Working with the limited staff that we do, she understands the “pains” of running a small business and is always willing to pitch in when she feels it will help everyone out and she does it with a smile.

Darla Thompson - Westside Liquor:
She knows you by name and is always in a good mood and willing to help you find what you need, suggesting something new or helping with a pairing for whatever party you may be hosting and knows where everything is. She has the fun banter personality that makes you want to come back and do more business with them.

Judy Wiegers - Main Street Theatre:
Judy is a deserving candidate, not solely based on this year but on an accumulation of work and dedication to various businesses around Sauk Centre, Judy seems to be a perfect fit. Judy has been a fixture at the Main Street Theatre since 1988. In addition, Judy has worked cleaning First State Bank, Running the photo development at Corner Drug store, and even guiding tours at the Sinclair Lewis Boyhood home. Judy's dedication is only outmatched by her humility. She loves to work but would rather be in the background rather than the spotlight, a quality worth emulating. These are a few of the qualities that make Judy more than worthy of being the employee of the year.

Molly Erickson - Bear Trap:
Great customer service and always smiling. Overall, The Bear Trap has a great team but Molly stands out in particular. Appointed as General Manager this year, Molly has been the force behind our daily lunch specials bringing a whole new menu of home cooking for our lunch guests. She has also been working tirelessly to come up with a new product line of drinks and will be introducing a holiday drink line up you won’t find anywhere else in town. She manages and bar’s gambling and takes care of all of our food and liquor orders and manages our Facebook page. She epitomizes service always with a smile on her face. You’ll find her behind the bar and serving our guests weekdays at the Trap.

I don't know

Share your feedback regarding your selection so we can share the kind word with our nominees

Question Title

* 5. Citizen of the Year: This person (or couple) exemplifies service to the community and is an example of a true community collaborator and can often be found lending a hand.

(Below are the nominees and some of the comments left by community members who nominated them)

Denise Rieland:
As a CentraCare Health Hospice Home Health Aide Denise's presence allows families to focus on cherishing their remaining time with their loved ones, alleviating the emotional and physical burden of caregiving. Beyond the individual impact, Denise contributes to the broader community by fostering a culture of care and empathy, ensuring that no one faces life's final journey alone. Her work reflects the highest values of humanity, offering not just care, but also connection and peace in life’s most vulnerable moments. Denise is a gift to everyone she cares for.

Lainie Berg:
Lainie is a bright light in this community she helps those in need, support local businesses and makes a huge impact in the senior citizen community in Sauk and in Alexandria! She runs Celebrate Recovery with her husband and she does all the cooking to feed everyone on Monday nights. She is kind hearted, a mentor to many. Her laugh is contagious, her heart is for God and this community and there is nothing she wouldn’t do for others. Especially those in need. Her heart is called to that work. We are blessed to have someone like her here. I believe she deserves the recognition for all her hard work and dedication.

Logan Gruber:
A true supporter of small businesses and the people who run them. Always ready to step in and help. He has a big heart and is often found championing others. He is present at all the Boost Up Sauk Centre meetings and part of the Sauk Centre Rotary as well as a chamber member. He works tirelessly to support and promote others.

Merle & Kathy Felling:
Their contributions to the community are numerous and they have a zest for life and community. They donate to many various causes, educational opportunities, and they put on a concert every year for folks to enjoy. Merle loves music and his concertina's, and often seen playing and volunteering with his group at nursing homes, assisted living facilities to entertain the residents. Merle & Kathy Felling are giving of their time and talents. They have served on several boards, and are an incredible asset to our community by not only their contributions but also their legacy of Felling Trailers.

Sara Thompson:
Goes above and beyond for the community, not only from her involvement at the funeral home but also very involved in the community as well as their church. Sara will try to help anyone but if unable, will find someone who can help. She not only serves her community through her work at Patton-Schad but was recently selected to serve on the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association board as well. She is part of the LARKS (Ladies Acts of Random Kindness group) and is often found volunteering and supporting local organizations. Her kindness and compassion paired with her heart for the community she lives in makes her a deserving candidate for Citizen of the Year.

I don't know

Share your feedback regarding your selection so we can share the kind words with our nominees

Question Title

* 6. Junior Achiever of the Year: A student that has displayed good work ethic, community involvement, kindness to others and has demonstrated leadership skills.

Gabrielle Marthaler:
She is the hardest worker academically and shows amazing work ethic and leadership. She has the kindest heart and it shows.

Grace Mynczywor:
Grace is an exceptionally hardworking and dedicated young adult who balances academics, work, and community service with excellence and grace. Grace works as a teller at MN National Bank, demonstrating professionalism and reliability in her role. Alongside her job, she excels as a student, maintaining outstanding grades and prioritizing her education as a key part of her future success. Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Grace is deeply committed to her community. She volunteers at her church, teaching children in kindergarten through 6th grade during kids' church. Additionally, Grace preaches on Wednesday nights for the youth group, where she has an extraordinary ability to connect with students from 6th through 12th grade, inspiring and guiding them with her leadership and compassion. Grace is a shining example of determination, responsibility, and selflessness. Her contributions to her school, workplace, and community make her an exceptional candidate for the Junior Achiever of the Year award.

Johnathon Klein:
Johnathon started a fishing lure business after developing the business for a class at Holy Family School. He guided friends through assembly and sales. They sold at farmers markets and the Youth Showcase. Johnathon is young entrepreneur, that is kind and helpful.

I don't know

Share your feedback regarding your selection so we can share the kind words with our nominees

Question Title

We hope you will join us for our Annual Dinner & Awards on January 20th - registration is required. You can click HERE to register. Nominees will receive one complimentary ticket to our annual dinner, registration required.

We hope you will join us for our Annual Dinner & Awards on January 20th - registration is required. You can click <strong><a href="https://www.saukcentrechamber.com/events/details/chamber-annual-dinner-awards-16534" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a></strong> to register. Nominees will receive one complimentary ticket to our annual dinner, registration required.

Question Title

* 1. New Business of the Year: We want to recognize our chamber members that are starting out, that took a leap of faith, and have launched their business in Sauk Centre in 2024!

Question Title

* 2. Small Business of the Year: This member business may be a solo entrepreneur or have as many as 10 employees. These businesses can often be found promoting and supporting the chamber and fellow businesses in the community.

Question Title

* 3. Business of the Year: This member business has shown growth in job opportunities, an increase in sales/production and contributes to improvement in our community. Giving of their time and resources, encourage volunteerism, and they work to further promote our businesses and community.

Question Title

Question Title

* 5. Citizen of the Year: This person (or couple) exemplifies service to the community and is an example of a true community collaborator and can often be found lending a hand. (Below are the nominees and some of the comments left by community members who nominated them)

Question Title

* 6. Junior Achiever of the Year: A student that has displayed good work ethic, community involvement, kindness to others and has demonstrated leadership skills.

Question Title

We hope you will join us for our Annual Dinner & Awards on January 20th - registration is required. You can click HERE to register. Nominees will receive one complimentary ticket to our annual dinner, registration required.

* 5. Citizen of the Year: This person (or couple) exemplifies service to the community and is an example of a true community collaborator and can often be found lending a hand.

(Below are the nominees and some of the comments left by community members who nominated them)