2025 Sauk Centre Serves Awards Survey

1.New Business of the Year: We want to recognize our chamber members that are starting out, that took a leap of faith, and have launched their business in Sauk Centre in 2025!(Required.)

Share your feedback regarding your selection so we can share the kind words with our nominees

2.Small Business of the Year: This member business may be a solo entrepreneur or have as many as 10 employees. These businesses can often be found promoting and supporting the chamber and fellow businesses in the community.(Required.)

Share your feedback regarding your selection so we can share the kind words with our nominees

3.Business of the Year: This member business has shown growth in job opportunities, an increase in sales/production and contributes to improvement in our community. Giving of their time and resources, collaborative spirit, encourage volunteerism, and they work to further promote our businesses and community.(Required.)

Share your feedback regarding your selection so we can share the kind words with our nominees

4.Employee of the Year: Taking the time to recognize employees that go above and beyond in their role or duties. Hard working individuals that are the backbone and excellent representatives their business.

(Below are the nominees and some of the comments left by community members who nominated them)(Required.)

Rosa Breitbach - CURA:
Rosa is the business manager of Cura care center but she plays many roles. She does the payroll and the schedule. She is the first person new hires interact with. That should cover her "role" at work but she goes above and beyond for the staff and even more for the residents that live there. She's not afraid to help someone to the restroom, answer the phone, help pass out meals, answer call lights or stop to make a bed. She is so kind and has a smile on her face while doing it! She truly loves helping others and it shows in many ways! She deserves to be noticed! She is a big reason this place is thriving and she should be made aware the impact she has on others.

Kayla Douvier - Beste & Associates:
Kayla is the heart of operations at Beste & Associates. She is genuine, caring, and provides exceptional client service. Kayla values family and community, and it shows in her active involvement with Holy Family School and the Sauk Centre Hockey Association. Behind the scenes, she runs all financial operations and transactions with precision, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Kayla is very knowledgeable in the financial services business and she is very efficient, humble and brings a smile to everyone she encounters. Her dedication and integrity make her an outstanding candidate for Employee of the Year.

Emily Kramer - 510 Art Lab:
Emily is the spirit of the lab and truly embodies everything the 510 Art Lab stands for. As Executive Director, Emily has grown the membership 100% through her innovative and creative leadership, but it is her heart that leaves the greatest impact. She always has a smile on her face and is ready to help anyone, and “goes above and beyond to make everyone feel good.” Described simply and perfectly as “Emily is art,” she is a very talented teacher, and very knowledgeable, helpful, kind and supportive to everyone. Beyond the studio, her dedication to her community and doing the right thing is unwavering. She runs around doing fundraisers for non-profits… single handedly, supports others just because, and reminds us that creative and kind people are often under appreciated. When I think of employees, I think of someone like Emily—the best employee.

Riley Merten - Eyes on Main:
Riley is our Patient Coordinator and the 1st person a patient sees when they come in. She always has a smile to greet them. Riley ensures that patients receive the guidance and answers they need in a timely and courteous manner. She is very knowledgeable in her position and other areas of the practice. Riley is willing to step up and help in other roles when needed. Even on challenging days, she has an upbeat and positive attitude that spreads to anyone she talks with.

Tony Moritz - Christianson LLP:
Tony goes above and beyond for Christianson PLLP and their clients. With the conversion came a lot of changes and Tony always has the “can do” attitude. His interaction with the clients is top notch. He is always willing to help his co-workers with software and tech issues and his patience for all is outstanding. He doesn't seek praise or recognition but he is deserving of it and would be an excellent choice for employee of the year!

Patty Vasey - Winters, Meier & Larson Accounting:
Patty is the heart of our office and the hub of Winters, Meier & Larson. She is the first person our clients see when they walk in the door and is always the calm, smiling, helpful person who makes everyone feel welcome. Described as super friendly, knowledgeable, and always a smile, Patty is the friendly and caring face of the business who helps make talking taxes less stressful. With over 25 years in the industry, her knowledge of all the clients shows how much she cares about each one, and she has had a hand interacting with every client that walks through our doors. Behind the scenes, she is the backbone to our office, keeping everything running smoothly while always going above and beyond not only for clients but for the other members of the team. Her dedication, reliability, and positive attitude have made a lasting impact on the firm and the Sauk Centre community, and she is absolutely deserving to be recognized as an Employee of the Year.

I don't know

Share your feedback regarding your selection so we can share the kind word with our nominees

5.Citizen of the Year: This person (or couple) exemplifies service to the community and is an example of a true community collaborator and can often be found lending a hand.

(Below are the nominees and some of the comments left by community members who nominated them)(Required.)

Jacki & Terry Mead:
Jacki and Terry Mead dedicate countless hours to serving the Sauk Centre community through their leadership with the Sauk Centre Lions Club, most notably by running the Lions “Sell It Site.” Together, they accept donations of household furnishings, tools, equipment, vehicles, sporting equipment, and clothing, reselling these items with all proceeds going back to the Lions Club to support projects that benefit Sauk Centre. As Lions Club members, Jacki and Terry consistently go above and beyond, organizing public events that bring joy to participants and continually finding ways to raise funds to support those efforts. They are often volunteering to better the community and help anyone who may be in need, demonstrating a true servant’s heart everywhere she goes. Together, their dedication, generosity, and tireless service make a meaningful difference and are truly deserving of recognition.

Bonnie Nelson:
Bonnie Nelson exemplifies outstanding service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our community. Bonnie consistently demonstrates the true spirit of citizenship through selfless dedication and meaningful action. Over the past several years, she has devoted countless hours to improving the lives of others through volunteering, advocacy, mentoring, community programs, and leadership roles. Her efforts have directly benefited individuals, families, youth, and seniors, creating lasting and positive change. What truly sets Bonnie Nelson apart is her compassion and integrity. She has lead by example, inspiring others to get involved and fostering a sense of unity and pride within the community. Whether through spear heading the Time Traveler’s Trek, her work with the Sauk Centre Historical Society or her everyday willingness to help those in need, Bonnie Nelson embodies the values of service, respect, and civic responsibility. Bonnie asks for no recognition, yet her impact is widely felt and deeply appreciated. Her contributions have strengthened our community and serve as a powerful reminder of how one individual can make a meaningful difference. For these reasons Bonnie Nelson is an excellent candidate for the Citizen of the Year Award.

Becky & James Schreiner:
James & Becky Schreiner, these two are everywhere you look. Constantly raising a hand to help out wherever needed. From building meaningful connections with their students, coaching with passion and joy (even breaking a leg while doing it), to helping out with the PTA and other volunteering. James has been recognized for teaching excellence and coaching accolades too. James is widely appreciated by parents and students for his unwavering work ethic and his ability to connect, mentor, and inspire young people far beyond his role as a coach or teacher. Together, James & Becky truly embody what hometown pride really means.

Jo & Rob Wiener:
Rob and Jo Weiner are always helping and are deeply involved with the Lions Club and many efforts throughout the Sauk Centre community. They both give so much of themselves, generously volunteering through the Lions, the Legion, and other areas where help is needed. Rob is also a valued member of the school board and a long-time volunteer at Chamber events, known for his can-do attitude and being simply amazing whenever help is needed. Together, their consistent presence, willingness to serve, and generous spirit reflect a genuine commitment to making Sauk Centre a better place for everyone.

I don't know

Share your feedback regarding your selection so we can share the kind words with our nominees

We hope you will join us for our Annual Dinner & Awards on January 19th - registration is required. Tickets available HERE.
Nominees will receive one complimentary ticket to our annual dinner, tickets/registration required (use code: nominee).

The Sauk Centre Area Chamber Annual Dinner & Awards: Sauk Centre Serves with the theme "Once Upon a Main Street" on Monday, January 19 held at the Sauk Centre American Legion. This is a night full of hometown pride, applause-worthy moments, and the kind of community magic you can’t get anywhere else. Individual tickets are available for $40. For those who would like to attend as a group, a limited number of "Pulitzer Prize VIP Tables" area available. Dress is casual, with a playful nod to the theme, "Once Upon a Main Street". We hope you will join us for the awards dinner, because we believe in celebrating our businesses and that our community's favorite stories are still being written.

2025 Sauk Centre Serves Awards

Annual Sauk Centre Serves Awards