Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce

2011 Annual Membership Celebration

This year’s prestigious awards went to:

Large Business of the Year – Albert Lea Select Foods
This is a giant sized category and, as in the past, represented a difficult challenge for the committee. Albert Lea Select Foods has been extremely active in the Chamber with representatives serving on various committees and the Board of Directors. They actively support and participate in the Leadership Program. Other representatives of the business serve on boards of organizations throughout Freeborn County. They have grown significantly since they opened. After starting with 75 employees, they now employ 535. They are major supporters of various events and organizations including the United Way. Last year, they received the Freeborn County United Way” most generous employee campaign award.

Medium Business of the Year –The Children’s Center
The Children’s Center is unique in many ways. Members of their staff have been on Chamber Committees, participated in the Leadership program, and collaborated with many groups and organizations to carve out a significant place in our community.

They are a true example of what a community can do for itself when a problem is recognized.

They were the first of their kind in the state of Minnesota.

Small Business of the Year – A-Best Sew and Vac
A-Best is a true representative of the entrepreneurial spirit. The business has grown through dedication

and hard work and their outstanding customer service. In addition, they regularly provide educational opportunities for their employees by sending them to advanced training in their areas of expertise.

They have been an active member and financial supporter of our many sponsored events since 1995. They support a number of local organizations and non-profit groups including but not limited to The Rock, United Way, and Salvation Army. Vern and Lisa Hanson took a big leap in 2009 when they relocated their business. In doing so, 80% of the labor and materials came from local businesses.

Volunteer of the Year – Sue Berg, Innovance-Lou Rich
Sue works tirelessly – mostly behind the scenes- to improve the community and the company worksite. However, when asked to put herself on the line publicly in support of their community,

she is willing to do so. She has been actively involved in promoting health and wellness and is willing to speak to the topic. Sue has been an advocate for many organizations in the past – most notably – as the co-chair of the United Way’s Annual Campaign.

She should have been recognized long ago but she’s not one to look for credit.

Ambassador of the Year – Brad Skinness, Branch Manager
Accentra Credit Union
While Brad is a relatively new Ambassador, he definitely hit the ground running.

His attendance at their weekly visits has been exemplary. He also worked tirelessly on the Chamber Ambassador’s Scholarship Golf Outing. He has continued the Chamber involvement of

Accentra Credit Union by actively contributing to other Chamber activities and fundraising efforts. Brad recently accepted election as Co-President of the Ambassadors.

Lifetime Membership Award – Gerry Gehling
Our Lifetime member is just a special person. He remains active in the chamber and his community.

He never fails to be there when the Chamber needs him. He is a lifetime ambassador with 28 years of service and a Charter member of Albert Lea’s Sertoma Club which last year celebrated its 40th anniversary. For those of you who don’t know Sertoma means service to mankind and our lifetime member award goes to a great representative of that creed.

He was also named Albert Lea’s Outstanding Young Man in 1973 by the Albert Lea Jaycees.

Worksite Wellness Awards