Business Awards & Hall of Fame

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Tuesday, November 14, 2023

The Greater Mankato Business Awards & Hall of Fame, a premier business event, is a time where Greater Mankato Growth, Visit Mankato, City Center Partnership, and GreenSeam honor outstanding businesses, professionals, and organizations within the Greater Mankato community.

Last year’s sold-out event was held on Tuesday, November 15, at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato. Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate the award recipients, as well as all of our sponsors.

Check out photos: Award Recipients by SPX and Event Photos by GMG.

2022 Hall of Fame Inductee: Drummers Garden Center & Floral
2022 Business Legacy: ISG
Greater Mankato Growth Awards

Each year, at least one outstanding private sector business from the Greater Mankato region is inducted into the Business Hall of Fame for their contributions to our vibrant community. Those contributions include: improving the quality of life in Greater Mankato through the creation of quality jobs and developing opportunities for their employees, demonstration of personal and business ethical qualities, including dedication to family, community, the environment, and private enterprise, as well as demonstration of qualities of entrepreneurship by assuming the risk of organizing, developing, and managing a successful private business enterprise in Greater Mankato.

The Business Legacy award honors private sector businesses that have been in business in Greater Mankato region for 10 or more years and have previously been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The award is designed to call recognition to businesses whose principles reflect the same type of care, compassion, investment, and entrepreneurial spirit that was represented by their predecessors.

This award honors an outstanding business from the Greater Mankato region for their contributions to our vibrant community. Those contributions include demonstrating personal and business ethical qualities, including dedication to family, community, the environment and private enterprise, as well as demonstration of qualities of entrepreneurship by assuming the risk of organizing, developing, and managing a successful business enterprise in Greater Mankato. This category applies to businesses that have been in business for 3 – 10 years.

The Brian Fazio Business Education Partnership award recognizes partnerships that enhance education and business in Greater Mankato.

The Hap Halligan Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has participated in the Greater Mankato Leadership Institute program and has demonstrated outstanding creative and innovative contributions to the community.
Each year, one distinguished young professional between 21-40 years of age is recognized for leadership and service through commitment to community, service, and volunteerism, involvement in efforts to enrich the professional/leadership development of other young professionals, and their active involvement in welcoming young professionals to learn, live, work, and engage in Greater Mankato.
Visit Mankato Awards
The Bring it Home award recognizes an individual, group, or organization that works alongside Visit Mankato to bring a significant event to Greater Mankato.
The Hospitality award recognizes an individual, group, or organization who has gone above and beyond to provide outstanding hospitality to the visitors of Greater Mankato OR who has helped promote Greater Mankato as a great destination to visit.
City Center Partnership Awards

The City Center Partnership Awards have been revised from previous years.

This category recognizes new construction or renovation projects that contribute to the economic vitality of the City Center. The project could be the result of significant investment to develop a new building within the city center or redevelop an existing building or property for an improved use that contributes to the economic and cultural vitality of the city center. Nominations may be made for projects completed in the last 2 years.

This category recognizes projects that include aesthetic improvements such as exterior signage, landscaping and beautification, public art, and exterior furnishings or that integrates arts and culture (permanent or temporary) to foster interaction among community members, spark vitality, or create an environment conducive to creativity and social engagement. Nominations may be made for projects completed in the last 2 years.
This category recognizes projects that incorporate sustainable elements into new construction or renovations, projects that improve environmental conditions through cleanup of brownfield sites, and/or recognizes projects that work to celebrate and maintain the historic integrity of a property, building, or landscape. This can include proactive maintenance of a historic property, alterations sensitive to historic character, and projects that celebrate a property’s history. Nominations may be made for projects completed in the last 2 years.
This category recognizes projects that incorporate sustainable elements into new construction or renovations, projects that improve environmental conditions through cleanup of brownfield sites, and/or recognizes projects that work to celebrate and maintain the historic integrity of a property, building, or landscape. This can include proactive maintenance of a historic property, alterations sensitive to historic character, and projects that celebrate a property’s history. Nominations may be made for projects completed in the last 2 years.
GreenSeam Awards
The Seamed in Success award honors an outstanding business, organization, community, or individual which has made a large impact and added value to the community and region. This award recognizes those who have highlighted the importance of agriculture, with an emphasis on rural vitality building upon our agricultural roots.
The Growing in the GreenSeam award honors an outstanding business that has recently planted its seed in the GreenSeam region. Each year, one remarkable new business is recognized for their innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and contribution to our vibrant community.

Event Sponsors 

2023 event sponsors to be announced. If you are interested in showcasing your business, please reach out [email protected]

Presenting Sponsor
Abdo Logo
Venue Sponsor
Minnesota State University Mankato - MNSU, MSU
Video Sponsor
Taylor Corporation Logo
Event Sponsors
Mayo Clinic Health System Mankato
Table Sponsors

Ag Management Solutions
APX Construction Group
Blethen Berens
Bolton & Menk
Carlson-Tillisch Eye Clinic
City of Mankato
City of North Mankato
CLA
Coldwell Banker Commercial Fisher Group
Community Bank
Compeer Financial
Dotson Iron Castings
Drummers Garden Center & Floral
Eide Bailly
First National Bank Minnesota
Fredrikson & Byron
Gislason & Hunter
Mankato Kiwanis
MEI
Minnesota State University, Mankato – College of Business
Minnesota State University, Mankato – President’s Office
Old Town Association
OMG – Otto Media Group
Pioneer Bank
Profinium, Inc.
Radio Mankato
Snell Motors
South Central College
U.S. Bank
United Prairie Bank

Looking to showcase your business? Check out the Marketing Opportunities!

Marketing Opportunities

Previous Recipients

Greater Mankato Growth

2021 – Carlson-Tillisch Eye Clinic

2020 – Quality 1Hr Foto/SPX

2019 – FUN.com, United Prairie Bank

2018 – LIV Aveda Salon & Spa, Massad Group

2017 – Kato Insurance Agency

2016 – Dotson Iron Castings

2015 – Community Bank, Tailwind Group

2014 – Minnesota Elevator, Inc.

2013 – Drummer Companies, Lidstrom Commercial Realtors

2012 – Lloyd Lumber – Just Ask Lumber, Wells Federal Bank

2011 – Paulsen Architects, Snell Motors

2010 – Abdo, Eick & Meyers, Mankato Independent Originals

2009 – James R Weir Insurance Company, Schmidt Siding & Window Company

2008 – Pathstone Living, Kaye Corporation

2006 – Exclusively Diamonds Linder Radio

2005 – McDonald’s Of Mankato

2004 – All American Towing, MAS Communications, School Sisters of Notre Dame

2003 – Kagermeier Oleson & Hobbie Architects, Katolight, Winland Electronics

2002 – Fisher Group, I&S Engineers & Architects, Wolf Etter & Co

2001 – Bolton & Menk, Farrish Johnson Law Office

2000 – BENCO Electric Cooperative, KEYC-TV

1999 – Chesley Freightliner, Degroods TV & Appliance, Mankato Clinic

1998 – C & N Sales, EI Microcircuits, Jerry Crest & ISJ-MHS

1997 – HickoryTech, MRCI, Northwest Bank

1996 – MICO Incorporated, Matt J. Graif Clothing

1995 – Hilltop Florist Meyer & Sons Schwickert’s Holding Company

1994 – Blethen Gage & Krause, Dick Lundin & Southern MN Construction, Raymond H. Sponberg, CLU, Insurance Agency

1993 – H. Warren Denison & Lloyd E. Johnson, Johnson Fishing, Paul Hadley, Corporate Graphics, Paul Gislason & Donald Meredith, The Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic

1992 – Russel Foster, Mankato Corporation Howard & Willard Vetter, Vetter Stone, John Votca, Mankato Technical College

1991 – Ferdinand Busher, American Bank, Frederick Family, Happy Chef Systems Maurice “Al” Sween, Sween Corporation

1990 – Arthur J. Petrie, Petrie Development Kenneth S. Hiniker, Hiniker Company Thomas P. Coughlan, Mankato-Kasota Stone

1989 – Glen A. Taylor, Taylor Corporation, Jared How, The Free Press, Rober J. Lloyd, Lloyd Companies

1988 – Lowell W. Andreas, Archer Daniels Midland Earl W. Madsen, Madsen’s Super Valu Paul & William Radichel, North Star Concrete

1987 – Ogden P. Confer, Hubbard Milling Co, Cecil H. Jones, Kato Engineering & Jones Metal Fred Lutz Sr., Northland Beverages, Brett M. Taylor Sr., Brett’s Department Store

2021 – Mankato Independent Originals

2019 – Vetter Stone Company

2018 – BAMCO – McDonald’s of Mankato

2021 – Bumbelou

2020 – Kato Crossfit

2019 – Freedom Home Care, LLC

2018 – Neubau Holdings, LLC

2017 – Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery

2016 – The Coffee Hag

2015 – Champion Auto Enterprises, LLC

2014 – PresenceMaker, Inc

2013 – Jones and Magnus, Attorneys at Law

2012 – Brunton Architects, RedSky Lounge

2011 – Mankato MoonDogs

2010 – LIV Aveda Salon & Spa

2009 – ECS – Electrical Communications Specialists

2008 – Frentz Construction, Angie’s Kettle Corn

2006 – Brennan Companies

2005 – Coughlan Publishing

2004 – Volk Transfer, Inc.

2003 – Target

2002 – Central Concrete

2001 – Midwest Wireless, Paulsen Architects

2021 – Borgs Homes Realty

2018 – True Real Estate

2016 – Salvage Sisters

2015 – Freedom Home Care, LLC

2014 – Friesen’s Family Bakery & Bistro

2013 – Oleson+Hobbie Architects, LLC

2012 – Bent River Outfitter

2011 – WOW! Zone

2009 – Sports Institute

2008 – Contessa Restaurant

2006 – Grace Senior Services

2005 – Dan & Angie Bastian, Angie’s Kettle Corn

2004 – Pam Haugum

2002 – Lynn Collins, Flowertrellis Gift Basket Co.

2001 – Tom & Kelly Doering, E-Travel Experts

2021 – South Central College and South Central Service Cooperative (Education), Lime Valley Advertising and OMG-Otto Media Group (Business)

2020 – Greater Mankato Area United Way, Capstone

2019 – Mankato Area Public Schools (ISD#77), Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial (ISD#2071), Maple River Schools (ISD#2135), St. Clair Public Schools (ISD#75), Nicollet Public Schools (ISD#507), and Feeding Our Communities Partners (FOCP)

2018 – Education Partners: Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, South Central College; Business Partners: EI Microcircuits, Dotson Iron Castings, Jones Metal, Big Ideas

2017 – Junior Achievement of Greater Mankato, Mankato Area Public Schools, Loyola High School

2016 – Minnesota State University, Mankato Department of Dental Hygiene, Open Door Health Center

2015 – South Central College & CliftonLarsonAllen (Annual Ag Symposium)

2014 – College of Business – Minnesota State University, Mankato, Taylor Corporation – Innovation Center

2013 – Bolton & Menk, Inc., Ecumen Pathstone Living, Mankato Area Public Schools, The Thro Company

2012 – Junior Achievement of Greater Mankato

2011 – Bolton & Menk, Inc., South Central College

2010 – Girls on the Run

2009 – Minnesota State University, Mankato Community Engagement Office

2008 – South Central College Mechatronics Program

2006 – I&S Engineers & Architects, Mankato Area Public Schools, Minnesota State University, Mankato Civil Engineering Program

2005 – Mankato Area Public Schools’ Health Occupations Program, Including partners: Mankato Clinic, Immanuel St. Joesph’s- Mayo Health System, Pediatric Therapy Services, Mankato Prosthetic Orthotic Laboratories, Mankato Lutheran Home, The Thro Company and Mankato Chiroproatic Center and Healing Touch

2004 – Mankato Area Public Schools, Mankato Clinic

2003 – Immanuel St. Joseph’s – Mayo Health System, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato Lutheran Homes, Inc., South Central Technical College, St. Peter Community Hospital & Health Care Center, Thro Companies, Inc.

2002 – Kato Engineering & Minnesota State University, Mankato Department of Science, Engineering and Technology

2001 – E-Travel Experts, Rasmussen College

2000 – Thin Film Technology, Minnesota State University, Mankato

1999 – Coughlan Companies, Mankato Area Public Schools & Catholic Schools

1998 – Mankato Area Public Schools, Midwest Wireless

1997 – FirePond Inc., HickoryTech, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Norwest Bank, South Central Technical College, Taylor Corporation

1996 – Jones Metal Products, Inc., South Central Technical College

2021 – Kyle Mrozek

2019 – Laura Bowman

2018 – Betty Ouren

2017 – John Bulcock

2016 – Scott Wojcik

2015 – Eric Oleson

2014 – Barb Embacher

2013 – Kate Loging

2012 – David Wittenberg

2011 – Marsha Danielson

2009 – Pam Year

2008 – Janet Molstad, PHD

2006 – Ed Waltman

2005 – Jerry Crest

2004 – Keith Boleen

2003 – Kathy Brynaert

2002 – T. William Coughlan

2001 – Ann Stewart

2000 – Maureen Gustafson

1999 – Elaine Schoeneberger

1998 – Noell Reed

1997 – Max Tjaden

1996 – Elaine Peterson

1995 – Glenn Gabriel

1994 – Tom Riley

1993 – Stephanie Stoffel

1992 – Diane Berge

1991 – Colleen Landkamer

2021 – Nate Olsen

2020 – Laura Jans

2019 – Angela Guentzel

2018 – Jaci Sprague

2017 – Christopher Harstad

2016 – Brad Boettcher

2015 – Elizabeth Harstad

2014 – Kevin Velasquez

2013 – Matt Norland

2012 – Christi Wilking

2011 – Michael Jacobs

2010 – Nichole Schroder

2009 – Robyn James

2008 – Jenn Faust, Kate Loging

Visit Mankato

2021 – Mankato MoonDogs & ISG Field Investors

2020 – Mankato Area Mountain Bikers

2019 – Justin Ek / Bellissimo Paint & Coatings

2018 – Jack McGowans Farm

2017 – Mankato RibFest

2016 – Mankato Symphony Orchestra

2015 – Minnesota Vikings 50th Training Camp

2014 – Justin & Jenna Rinehart, Nicollet Bike Shop

2013 – Vetter Stone Amphitheater

2012 – Mankato Brewery

2011 – CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour

2010 – WOW! Zone Family Entertainment Center

2009 – Pub 500

2008 – Morgan Creek Vineyards, Quality 1 Hr. Foto/Sports Pix

2021 – Anthony Ford Pond Hockey

2020 – Silo Art CityArt Mankato

2019 – Aussie Peppers

2018 – Minneopa State Park / Bison Preserve

2017 – Paul Gaspar, Mankato United Soccer Club

2016 – The Dam Store

2015 – Peter Olson, Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota

2014 – Bent River Outfitter

2013 – Kiwanis Holiday Lights

2012 – Mankato Wacipi Pow Wow

2011 – Tom Engstrom

2010 – Laurapalooza

2009 – Deep Valley Convention Committee, Betsy-Tacy Society

2008 – Minnesota Sweet Adelines

City Center Partnership - CityDesign Awards of Excellence

2022 – Dotson Iron Castings

2022 – Mankato Kiwanis Centennial Mural

2021 – Coffee Hag

2020 – Mankato Playhouse

2019 – ChalkFest

2018 – The Hub Food Park

2017 – Human Foosball (Greater Mankato United Way)

2022 – Historic Masonic Hall, Studio 5

2021 – Moulin Rouge House B&B

2020 – 129 N 6th Street

2017 – Boy in Blue Monument (Boy in Blue Civic War Memorial Project)

2016 – Carnegie Art Center

People’s Choice Award

2022 – “The Artist” by Jefferson Davis

2021 – “Cover Up” by Jefferson Davis

2020 – “You” by Martin Leenhouts

2019 – “Cog of the Wild” by Andrew Nyberg

2018 – “New Life” Sculpture by Janesville, Waldorf, Pemberton (JWP) High School Advanced Metal Sculpture Class

2017 – “Maestro” Sculpture by Lee Leuning & Sherri Treeby

2016 – “Stand for the Flag” Sculpture by Lee Leuning & Sherri Treeby

2015 – “Godzilla” by Dale Lewis

2014 – “Green Sea Turtles by Eric Thorsen

2013 – “Saturday Distractions” by Lee Leuning and Sherri Treeby

2012 – “Guidance” by Deb Zelenak

2011 – “Reading Magic” by Julie Jones

 

Jurors Purchase Award

2022 – “Mountain Spell” by Harold Linke

2021 – “Fine Feathered Friends” by Gary and Tonnie Hovie & Jim Perrine

2020 -  “We Can Do It” – Sculpture by Lee Leuning & Sherri Treeby

The City Center Partnership Awards have been revised from previous years. The former recipients of past City Center Center award winners are listed below. 

2021 New Construction (over $5,000,000) – Bridge Plaza

2021 New Construction ($2,000,000 – $5,000,000) – Frandsen Bank & Trust

2021 Preservation Stewardship – Moulin Rouge House B&B

2021 Downtown Detail – SiloArt
2021 Creative Placemaking – Coffee Hag

2021 “People’s Choice” Award – Cover Up by Jefferson Davis

2021 “Juror’s Purchase” Award – “Fine Feathered Friends” by Gary and Tonnie Hovie & Jim Perrine 

2020 New Construction (over $5,000,000) – Eide Bailly Tower

2020 Renovations between $500,000 – $1,000,000 – Ridgley Building/Cultivate Mankato

2020 Renovations under $500,000 – LocAle Brewing Company

2020 Preservation Stewardship – 129 N 6th Street

2020 Downtown Detail – Vetter Stone Plaza

2020 Creative Placemaking – Mankato Playhouse

2020 “People’s Choice” Award – “You” – Sculpture by Martin Leenhouts

2020 “Jurors Purchase” Award – “We Can Do It” – Sculpture by Lee Leuning & Sherri Treeby

2019 Renovation $1M – $3M –  Carlson-Tillisch Eye Clinic

2019 Renovation Under $500,000 – Bumbelou

2019 Sustainability – Hubbard Building

2019 Downtown Detail – Stoltzman Park

2019 Creative Placemaking – ChalkFest

2019 CityArt “People’s Choice” Award – Cog of the Wild by Andrew Nyberg

2018 Renovation under $500,000 – Flask, by Mankato Independent Originals

2018 Sustainability – Mankato Place Mall Solar Panels

2018 Downtown Detail – Twin Rivers Council for the Arts – Common Grounds Parklet

2018 Creative Placemaking – The Hub Food Park

2018 CityArt “People’s Choice” Award – “New Life” Sculpture by Janesville, Waldorf, Pemberton (JWP) High School Advanced Metal Sculpture Class

2017 New Construction Over $5M – Block 518 (Tailwind Group)

2017 Renovation $500,000 – $1M – Bluebird Cakery

2017 Renovation under $500,000 –  Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Minnesota State University, Mankato)

2017 Preservation Stewardship – Boy in Blue Monument (Boy in Blue Civic War Memorial Project)

2017 Downtown Detail – Kites Mural (City of Mankato)

2017 Creative Placemaking –  Human Foosball (Greater Mankato United Way)

2017 CityArt “People’s Choice” Award – “Maestro” Sculpture by Lee Leuning & Sherri Treeby

2016 New Construction Over $5M – Ridley Tower

2016 New Construction Over $5M Municipal – Verizon Wireless Center Expansion/Performing Arts Center

2016 Renovation over $1M – $3M – Bethlehem Lutheran Church

2016 Renovation $500,000 – $1M Mankato Area Foundation Shared Spaces – A Center for Nonprofit Collaboration

2016 Renovation under $500,000 – WYSIWYG Juice Co.

2016 Preservation Stewardship Carnegie Art Center

2016 Downtown Detail – “Tractor Bull” Sculpture

2016 CityArt “People’s Choice” Award – “Stand for the Flag” Sculpture by Lee Leuning & Sherri Treeby

2015 Renovation over $3M – Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota

2015 New Construction over $5M Profinium Place – Tailwind Group and Mid Rise Holdings

2015 CityArt People’s Choice Award – “Godzilla” Dale Lewis | Hastings, MN

2014 Renovation under $1M – Visit Mankato

2014 Renovation $1M – $3M – Front Street Property Owners and City of Mankato

2014 Renovation over $3M – VINE Faith in Action

2014 New Construction Under $2M – Local Veterans Committee, City of Mankato and City of North Mankato

2014 Downtown Detail – Pub 500 Patio

2014 Innovative Interior Remodel – Y Barbers/Onatah On Belgrade

2014 Facade Improvements – City of Mankato

2013 Renovation – Chopps Bar

2012 Renovation under $1M – Tandem Bagels

2012 New Construction Under $2M – Brunton Architects Office

2012 Facade Improvements – City Center Place

2012 Downtown Detail – 629 North Riverfront Drive

2011 Renovation over $3M – US Bank Center

2011 Renovation under $1M – I&S Group Offices

2011 New Construction under $2M – The Marigold

2011 Facade Improvement – 327 Riverfront Drive

2011 Downtown Detail – Neighbor’s Italian Bistro

2010 Renovation under $1M – Number 4 American Bar & Kitchen

2010 Renovation $1M – $3M – The Graif Building

2010 New Construction $2M – $5M – MinnStar Bank

2010 New Construction over $5M – Hilton Garden Inn

2010 Facade Improvements – Two Rivers Place

2010 Downtown Detail – The Pita Pit

GreenSeam

2022 – Rod Hebrink

2021 – Dr. Shane Bowyer

2020 – Brad Schloesser

2019 – Farmamerica

2018 – B.E.S.T. of Waseca County – Waseca Vision 2030

2022 – Ag Management Solutions, Tom Slunecka

2021 – Clean plus, Inc.

2019 – Revol Greens

2018 – AKER – Orlando Saez and Todd Golly

Greater Mankato

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