Chamber banquet postponed
Published 10:26 am Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Arlen Schamber accepted the award for Hormel Food Corp., which was selected as Business of the Year, last year at the annual Chamber Banquet at the Holiday Inn. Herald file photo
Forstner: Local economy showing positive signs
The Austin Area Chamber of Commerce has plenty to celebrate … but it’ll have to wait a little longer.
With heavy snow and high winds expected Thursday, the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce postponed its annual Business of the Year awards banquet originally scheduled for Thursday night to Tuesday night.
Not only will the chamber celebrate the successes of area businesses, but it’ll also celebrate a year that Executive Director Sandy Forstner said the economy picked up.
“After several very difficult years, a lot of our members are reporting better sales,” he said.
The chamber will hold its annual Business of the Year awards banquet Tuesday at the Holiday Inn Conference and Event Center, 1701 Fourth St. NW. The banquet starts with a social hour at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the awards program around 6:30 or 6:45 p.m.
Forstner described the event as an important way to recognize chamber members, businesses and business owners for their important contributions to the community.
Forstner described business as the foundation of the community, both by creating jobs and through the many community efforts spearhead by business owners.
“We think it’s important to recognize them for what they’re doing,” Forstner said.
This year’s theme for the banquet is “Taking Care of Business.” The banquet, which is usually attended by 250 to 300 people, will include the presentation of three major business awards: Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, and Project of the Year. Other awards recognize outstanding chamber ambassadors, the chamber’s Volunteer of the Year, and two Mower Refreshed awards.
The awards banquet dates back to 1993.
The 14 nominees this year, who have been submitted by customers, employees, themselves or others, were reviewed to decide which ones will win an award.
A number of categories decide who will win each award, including the level of customer service, growth and commitment to employees.
To register or for more information, contact the chamber at 507-437-4561.
