Minneapolis Chamber celebrated 2013 Best in Business honorees at awards luncheon

March 19, 2013 - PRLog -- MINNEAPOLIS (March 14, 2013) — The Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce today welcomed more than 300 attendees to its annual Best in Business Awards luncheon that honored five companies selected for their leadership and outstanding contributions to the region’s business community.

The Star Tribune, Bremer Bank, One Simple Plan, Finnegans and YouthLink were selected as this year’s winners and were recognized in the categories of Best in Business, Quality of Life, Emerging Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year and Nonprofit of the Year, respectively. A volunteer committee selected the award winners based on criteria such as financial growth and performance, business strategies and practices, leadership and innovation, strategic planning and vision, and community involvement and volunteer engagement.

“This event honors companies that strengthen our region through innovation, strategic solutions, and perseverance in business,” said Todd Klingel, president and CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce. “These five companies are setting the standard for operating a successful business and leading the way for future business leaders in the community.”

Frank Vascellaro, co-anchor for WCCO news, served as the master of ceremonies for the event for the seventh year in a row.

More than 20 juniors from Minneapolis’ Thomas Edison High School also attended as part of their enrollment in the Chamber’s Voyager program.  Started nearly 20 years ago, Voyager prepares students for the workplace by giving them the skills and experience needed to meet or exceed job requirements as new graduates. Students have the opportunity to participate in various business events sponsored by the Chamber in order to interact with the region’s business leaders and become lifelong learners.

The Best in Business Awards is part of the Chamber’s long tradition of recognizing members of the business community for their support and acceleration of the region. Having evolved three years ago from the Quality of Life Awards, these awards focus on companies that experience successive growth in their market, have a growing workforce and demonstrate a strong commitment to their community.

Xcel Energy, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, RBC Wealth Management, Comcast, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and Nemer Fieger are the major sponsors of the 2013 Best in Business Awards. For a complete list of sponsors or more information on the Best in Business Awards please visit www.minneapolischamber.org/awards or call 612-370-9100.  

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The Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1881 and works to create strong partnerships to unite and grow member businesses in the Twin Cities. The Chamber and its two affiliates, the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce and Northeast Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce, serve 1,400 businesses in the 11-county metro area and focuses on public policy, economic development and member services. More information about the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce is available at www.minneapolischamber.org.