The Greater Mankato Growth Hall of Fame awards banquet at the Verizon Center last night drew one of the biggest crowds ever, filling dozens of tables in the main ballroom.
The local chamber group has expanded its array of awards this year that included some "design" awards, recognizing business projects that add an interesting and attractive physical aspect to the community. That was a nice addition for recognition. The way a city looks says a lot about the commitment of its business owners and city leaders.
This list of award winners can be found on The Free Press website, along with Tim Krohn's coverage.
Here's some videos of top three award winners that are short and worth watching.
There were, as always, many great stories about people starting out in business. Many had very humble beginnings and just worked liked crazy to make things happen.
It was very clear listening to owners speak about their businesses, that they all had one thing at the top of their list: serving customers. Many did not dwell on their own expertise or their staff's acumen, but thanked the people in the room and the community at large for being their customers.
It was also great to see that the Hall of Fame Inductees - the Abdo, Eick and Meyers Accounting firm and Mankato Independent Originals started as small family businesses. You often hear how chains or big box retailers can have such an advantage over small homegrown businesses, but that is clearly not the case with these two winners.
Mankato Independent Originals - Patrick and Chris Person and Tasha O'Hara - run four independent unique restaurants, including Neighbors, Dino's, Tav on the Ave. and Number Four. Their business started with Pat and Chris's parents, Adrian and John Person who for years ran Adrian's restaurant.
The Abdo firm was founded by longtime Mankato businessman Joe Abdo, who started out working for another longtime family business - Schwickert Hardware store.
All in all, it was a solid event and business winners were no doubt an inspiration to those in attendance.
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