Business Excellence Awards
2024 Winners!
The Board of Directors of the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce instituted the Business Excellence Awards to honor member businesses and volunteers. In general, nominees must be members in good standing with the Elk River Area Chamber and have gone above and beyond in some manner. Their business and employees should positively impact the Elk River region and be above reproach professionally, ethically, and responsibly.
General Selection Process: Businesses are encouraged to nominate a business they believe is deserving of the award. You will need to complete a questionnaire about why the business you are nominating should win the award addressing how they have fulfilled the guidelines below.
The selection committee made up of past winners, will review all nominations and make the final selection to be reviewed by the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Winning businesses will be publicly recognized and honored at the Annual Meeting.
The categories emphasize how the nominees have contributed to the Chamber's mission of fostering a strong, vibrant business community that benefits the entire region. Their dedication to chamber involvement and positive community impact should shine as their most notable qualities.
The following awards are available:
Business of the Year
This prestigious award recognizes a business that embodies the essence of community collaboration. Nominees should be active, engaged Chamber members who actively contribute to the local community's growth and prosperity. Qualities to consider include:
- Chamber Involvement: The nominee should actively participate in Chamber programs, committees, and events. They should demonstrate a commitment to supporting the Chamber's mission and collaborating with fellow members.
- Community Impact: The business should have a tangible, positive impact on the community. This could be through philanthropic initiatives, job creation, or supporting local causes and organizations.
- Community Leadership: Recognize businesses that actively lead community projects, mentor emerging entrepreneurs, or provide resources for community development.
There will be both a Small Business of the Year (under 50 employees) and a Large Business of the Year (over 50 employees).
New Business of the Year
This award celebrates the contribution of new businesses to the community and their engagement with the Chamber. Business should be new to the Elk River area and in business here less than 5 years. Key attributes to consider include:
- Chamber Integration: Nominees should have quickly become active Chamber members, participating in events and committees to build relationships within the local business community.
- Adaptability: Highlight businesses that have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, contributing positively to the local economy.
- Community Support: Recognize businesses that have integrated themselves into the community fabric, showing support through local sourcing, partnerships, or outreach initiatives.
Employer of the Year
This category celebrates businesses that go above and beyond in creating a supportive and nurturing work environment while also actively engaging with the Chamber and the community. Qualities to look for include:
- Employee-Centric: Nominees should prioritize employee well-being, growth, and development. This can include offering benefits, flexible work arrangements, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
- Chamber Engagement: The employer should be actively involved in Chamber activities and programs, leadership opportunities, or efforts that benefit the local workforce.
- Community Investment: Recognize businesses that invest in the community beyond their products or services, whether through volunteer work, charitable donations, or partnerships with local nonprofits.
Young Professional of the Year
This category acknowledges the outstanding contributions of a young professional to both the Chamber and the community. Look for qualities such as:
- Chamber Involvement: The nominee should be an engaged Chamber member who actively participates in networking, mentoring, or advocacy efforts.
- Leadership: Highlight individuals who have demonstrated leadership potential, either within their own organization or through community initiatives.
- Community Engagement: Recognize those who have a positive impact on the community through volunteer work, advocacy, or other meaningful contributions.
- Vision and Innovation: Consider young professionals who bring fresh ideas and innovation to the Chamber and the broader business community.
Business Excellence Awards Past Winners
LARGE Business of the Year ~ Rockwoods
Rockwoods exemplifies community commitment and business excellence, making them a deserving
recipient of the Large Business of the Year award. With 103 employees, they have cultivated a loyal
team, some of whom have been with them for over 20 years, defying the restaurant industry's high
turnover rates. Their dedication to the community is evident through youth team sponsorships,
community nights donating 10% of sales, and hosting numerous fundraisers, including raising over $12k
for Magnus Veterans Foundation. Rockwoods plays a pivotal role in local events, collaborating with
organizations like the Elk River Rotary Club, Otsego Lions Club, and the Rogers Lions Club. They've also
expanded their impact by launching an off-site catering arm, demonstrating their adaptability and
growth. Actively supporting the Otsego Business Alliance and contributing to multiple chamber events,
Rockwoods is not just a great local restaurant, but a vital community partner.
SMALL Business of the Year ~ Racin Repair
Racin Repair Inc. exemplifies what it means to be a trusted, community-focused business in Elk River.
This small, home-based auto repair company is celebrated for its honest work, ethical practices, and
commitment to educating customers—never talking down to those unfamiliar with cars. Offering a wide
range of services, from everyday repairs to restoring classic vehicles, Racin Repair provides value and
peace of mind to families and car enthusiasts alike. Their community involvement is substantial, leading
Chamber Connections weekly meetings and actively supporting local charities. With a reputation for
integrity and community leadership, Racin Repair Inc. is a deserving recipient of the Small Business of
the Year award.
EMPLOYER of the Year ~ Creative Kids Academy
Creative Kids Academy is deeply committed to the well-being and growth of its employees, making them
a standout employer in Elk River. In 2024, they earned the Top Workplace Award from the Star Tribune, a
testament to their supportive work environment, as recognized by their own staff. The Academy goes
above and beyond by offering meaningful benefits such as tuition discounts for employees’ children,
annual bonuses, and the innovative Life Essentials Fund, which provides financial support based on hours
worked. Additionally, Creative Kids Academy invests in its team’s professional development, offering
leadership opportunities and tools like online assessment programs to enhance teaching efficiency. With
a culture that prioritizes employee empowerment and recognition, including an Employee of the Quarter
program, Creative Kids Academy ensures that their staff feels valued and motivated, making them a
deserving recipient of the Employer of the Year award.
NEW Business of the Year ~ JonnyPops
“A Better Pop for a Better World!” JonnyPops mission has always been to make high-quality frozen treatsand to make the world a kinder place. They moved to Elk River in 2023 and quickly grew in the larger facility. One way JonnyPops consistently spreads kindness is through their pop donations to non-profits, schools, & community organizations throughout Minnesota! This summer, JonnyPops donated hundreds of thousands of pops in MN, with a number of Elk River organizations on their list! As a quickly growing business, they take local events as opportunities to network and hire current Minnesotans & Elk River residents. They look forward to continuing to bring more jobs to the area! JonnyPops was founded in a St. Olaf College dorm room and sold its first pops at Twin Cities farmers’ markets and local cafes in 2012. Today, JonnyPops employs 150+ people, & pops are sold in major
retailers across all 50 states.
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL of the Year ~ Guardian Angels Senior Services, Kayla Miller
Director of Wellbeing at Guardian Angels Senior Services, has dedicated 12 years to
promoting health and wellness for residents, employees, and community members. She has spearheaded wellness initiatives, including the opening of two gyms and the innovative "wellness on wheels" program. Kayla's leadership extends to her role in the Empower Program, which supports employee well-being through crisis management, personal development, and community engagement. Her passion for helping others is evident in her commitment to fundraising, organizing events, and fostering a culture of generosity. Kayla’s dedication to improving lives makes her a deserving recipient of the Young Professional of the Year award.
