Despite a weakened economy and a late winter storm, the mood was positive and optimistic at the annual banquet and awards ceremony hosted by the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce and held at the Holiday Inn and Austin Conference Center Thursday evening.

The most prestigious award, the Business of the Year honor, went to Davis, Thoen, Kramer and Associates- Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

“We feel very humbled to be here and very shocked,” partner Greg Thoen told the crowd of nearly 280. “We want to congratulate all of the other nominees and honestly, with all the competition, we can’t believe we’re up here.”

Davis, Thoen, Kramer & Associates-Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. is located at 329 North Main St. and was established in 2000.

They offer investment and insurance products, advice on retirement and tax planning, just to name a few of their services.

“We were very excited to be nominated, but winning it is over the top,” partner Randy Kramer said.

Project of the Year honors went to the Hormel Institute — University of Minnesota. The medical research institute is located at 801 16th Ave. N.E.

“It’s a great honor, and it’s just been a whirlwind the last two years all of the things that have happened,” said Dr. Ann M. Bode, associated director.

The institute has expanded and improved its facility by adding a new building to house 20 state-of-the-art research laboratories, conference rooms and a major seminar room.

New Business of the Year honors went to Wal-Mart, which is located at 1000 18th Ave. N.W. and opened this past summer.

“It’s nice to know we’re appreciated,” said Lee Kruse, store manager. “And we appreciate those who continue to support us. It’s surprising, but it’s just a reflection on all of the associates who continue to do the right thing and try to do the right thing in taking care of our customers.”

Others who were honored included Brad Johnson as Volunteer of the Year, who is on the board of directors for Austin Girls Fastpitch Softball, St. Mark’s Lutheran Home and Austin Elks Lodge 414. He has also been active in Austin youth hockey.

“I was shocked; I wasn’t expecting it at all,” he said, while encouraging others to get involved. “It’s good to put some effort back into the community to help everybody out.”

HR Professional of the Year was awarded to Angela Backhaus of the Cooperative Response Center, Inc.; the Austin Medical Center was honored for their support of the chamber’s Buy Mower/Grow Mower program. Chamber executive director Sandy Forstner said that late last year, AMC handed out $75 Buy Mower gift cards to all of its 920 employees.

Ambassador of the Year honors went to Jackie Bumgardner of Games People Play, who is also the Ambassador president.

Forstner said he was pleased with Thursday’s event.

“It was a great crowd,” he said. “The purpose is to recognize chamber members, volunteers and businesses that do a lot for the community, recognize their contributions and celebrate business.”

The Business of the Year nominees are nominated by chamber members and then interviewed and chosen by the chamber ambassadors.

There are 380 members of the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce.