Images of Excellence Awards

Member Recognition Awards

Help us recognizes outstanding leaders in our communities.

Nominations are currently being accepted for the North Hennepin Area Chamber of Commerce "Images of Excellence" Awards. These awards have been established to recognize the outstanding contributions of Chamber member businesses to the economy and overall  development of the North Hennepin Area. Recognition will be given at our Annual "An Evening to Be Remembered" Winter Gala in February.

We will be recognizing outstanding Chamber members in the following categories:

Service to Chamber Award

• This individual/business will have made significant contributions to promote the health and future success of the North Hennepin Chamber of Commerce over the past year.

Business of the Year Awards

This award will be presented in up to three categories with the same nomination guidelines for each.

• Small Business: 1 owner with no employees
• Medium Business: fewer than 25 full-time employees
• Large Business: 25+ full-time employees

Business of the Year Nominees must meet one or more of the following criteria.

• Demonstrated outstanding creativity and innovation
  • Such as development of new products and/or services, or unique marketing accomplishments
• Shown active involvement toward the betterment of the community
  • Through special events, promotions, donation, or other related activities
• Shown outstanding business accomplishment
  • Such as significant growth or turn-around
  • Or the achievement of a multi-year goal.
• Demonstrated staying power and positive response to adversity in a changing business environment.

Each Award Nominee for Service to the Chamber & Business of the Year Awards must also meet these criteria

• Must be members in good standing of the North Hennepin Area Chamber for a minimum of two years.
• Must be members in good standing of the North Hennepin Area Chamber at the time of the awards presentation in February.
• Be a for profit business.

Additional Guidelines for Service to the Chamber & Business of the Year Awards

• Nominations
  • May be submitted by any North Hennepin Area Chamber of Commerce Member.
  • Self-nominations are accepted
  • Must include complete information in order to be considered
  • Must be submitted by December 7th..

Online Award Nomination Form

The winner in each category will be announced the night of the Winter Gala.

Image of Excellence 2007 Finalists

Service to the Chamber Finalists:

Dave Kiser – Channel 12

Dave has taken on leadership roles within the chamber through the Business Education Partnership Committee, Programming Area, and chamber board and has been the driving force in involving his employer, Channel 12, in the chamber. His efforts have undoubtedly contributed to the chambers impressive growth over the past several years. It’s obvious that he has strong personal feelings about the role he plays in the chamber and the value of the chamber to the communities it serves.

Lynn Kleve – QBF*

Lynn capped off a three year run as the Golf Committee Chair with an outstanding event this past year. She has groomed the event into a well-oiled machine that will easily be turned over to a new chair. Lynn also did an outstanding job leading the selection committee for the new chamber president. Lynn clearly has been a top notch vice chair helping the chair in more ways than most ever could.

Todd Sanders – Topline Federal Credit Union

Todd works so diligently with the chambers Grow Minnesota Committee. He is great with his follow-up emails and has kept the committee on track with meeting the goal of business interviews. It is Todd’s dedication, time coordination, and, leadership that has pulled together great information for the Grow Minnesota Project.

Small Business of the Year Finalists

Carousel Travel*

Carousel Travel has effectively used an “old school” style of marketing to keep customers coming.  This style of marketing has been achieved in part through unmatched community involvement.   Karen Moore has continually stepped up to be a visible part of the chamber and in other community events.  Carousel Travel truly takes its business to the customer and provides start to finish service.

Kitchen Tune-Up

Kitchen Tune-Up is a true example of how a business can succeed in a difficult industry at a time when an unpredictable economy intensifies pressures.  While others in the industry fold or scale back, Kitchen Tune-Up holds its own through marketing of new products and striving to be a visible and trusted community business.  Owner Ron McClintic has taken many hours to be involved in the chamber through networking and other events.

Soaring Image Promotions

Soaring Image Promotions has made a name for itself in the community by working closely with cities and organizations such as Relay for Life.  The company is holding strong in a very competitive industry.  Owner David Schmoyer is also very involved in the chamber through the networking group and by attending numerous events.

Medium Business of the Year Finalists

Let’s Dish of Maple Grove*

Let’s Dish is all about community. The Maple Grove store is number one in revenue in the Twin Cities area. Let’s Dish has been involved in the community in numerous ways including making lunches for school staff and teachers on appreciation days, assisting businesses in nutrition programs,  assisting in multiple fundraisers, and helping charitable organizations. Let’s Dish is continually meeting the ever changing needs of its customers and looking for ways to partner with the chamber.

J. Cousineau's Dram & Alehouse

The most impressive thing about J. Cousineau’s is that they have survived and held their place in the community during an unmatched influx of direct competition. They were for years one of the few local restaurant choices and now they are one of many. They have diversified through a new focus on catering among other areas. They have always been and continue to be a key player in the community through involvement in ambassador programs and many other charities and organizations.

Prime Advertising and Design, Inc.

Prime Advertising and Design, Inc. is a company that not only does an excellent job at providing services in advertising and design, but also is a company that gives 150% back to the communities that they serve. Both Marilyn Bina and Mark Murray served on the volunteer committee for the new Mistletoe & Memories Holiday Event. Without their company’s expertise, this event would not have started out on a successful foot. This company always goes above and beyond the call of duty and shows the passion for the communities they serve and they treat every person they encounter with dignity and respect.

Large Business of the Year Finalists

Channel 12*

Channel continues to provide area residents of the northwest suburbs news and information about our communities on an ongoing basis. Channel 12 is a great supporter of the North Hennepin Area Chamber and provides the chamber with a means of promoting events and highlighting chamber members.

Luther Automotive Group of Brooklyn Center

The Luther Automotive Group has been a community leader in programs that benefit the students of the North Hennepin Chamber area. These programs include an endowment fund for North Hennepin Community College, scholarships for the automotive program at Hennepin Technical College, and fundraiser throughout District 279. In addition, the company is thoroughly involved in multiple community organizations and clubs through staff representation and program support.

Topline Federal Credit Union

Topline continues to grow in our community and they offer many services to members for the betterment of their financial situations. The company is a supporter of many community events as well as a tremendous supporter of the North Hennepin Area Chamber. The number of volunteers who participate in the chambers committees and activities is well above other businesses.

* Denotes Category Winners.