Bill Burke
Chatfield Body Shop
Chatfield, MN
Reason for nomination: Excellent service, does extra service at NO extra charge.
Describe the impact of the above: He has made it so much easier by picking my car up, service, bring it back, no extra charge.
What do you think motivates the nominee? I feel it is just the kind of person he is. He wants to help where he can, always with a kind word and smile.
What word or phrase can be used to describe him or her? I’d be happy to help!
Chris Cox
Cox True Value Hardware
Houston, MN
Reason for nomination: I admire her fortitude, knowledge, attitude, dedication, selflessness… Plus gives back to the community – Ambulance Director.
Describe the impact of the above: The store is GREAT! Chris is SO knowledgeable and helpful and just a great person and fun!
What do you think motivates the nominee? Commitment to her family and the whole community. She is just a good person with a great work ethic against a multitude of odds.
What word or phrase can be used to describe him or her? Selfless.
Barb Soma
The Village Depot/Village School/E2 Boutique
Harmony & Lanesboro, MN
Reason for nomination: Barb manages to keep four separate businesses going successfully all the while taking care of her family as well as making sure her friends always know how important they are to her in her life.
Describe the impact of the above: To never give up, keep going no matter what life may throw at you. It’s ok to make a mistake but it is what you learn from that mistake that helps you move forward.
What do you think motivates the nominee? Barb has a deep faith which she never drops. Her parents were a true inspiration but it is her deep love for her family as well as her community that keeps her so joyfully moving.
What word or phrase can be used to describe him or her? Optimistic. Barb makes those around her see the optimistic side of anything thrown at you!
Denny Darr & Luke Rye
Ferndale Golf Course
Rushford, MN
Reason for nomination: This pair of business owners describes the statement headlining this contest perfectly: “The success of our small-town businesses requires great leadership.” We don’t normally find ourselves entering contests or nominating folks for anything, especially when it’s a boss or owner… isn’t it common sense that you need to be a good leader to own a business? Over the years, realizing that isn’t always the case; an owner can be a poor leader. That is why the phrase mentioned previously caught our attention. Being a transplant to the Rushford community in Fillmore County, we immediately thought of these two bosses ( owners): Denny Darr & Luke Rye, who we might add are some of the humblest men we’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. In the few short years they’ve owned Ferndale Golf Course, they’ve managed to make it more than just another golf course; they’ve made it a gathering place for people of ALL ages, genders, races, and talents. Even those who don’t swing a golf club seem to make their way there for a hand of cards or a scrumptious meal. Any given lunch or dinner hour, you will find tables of folks who don’t know the difference between a birdie and an eagle, let alone what “par for the course” means, but they are drawn to Ferndale Golf Course for the beautiful setting, the friendly banter with a server, and the chance to share it all with friends or family.
Describe the impact of the above: This place has changed over the past few years to include great food, a fantastic, yet challenging round of golf with ground maintained by a determined grounds crew, and a fun, talented clubhouse team who eagerly serve the public. this is all due to the sense of calm and fair thinking of our bosses – Denny and Luke – who roll their sleeves up and always are working right next to their staff. they rule by serving and working side by side with us. They also get to know their customers, which has created a welcoming and fun experience for all the guests that come out to try their best at “beating the course.” We believe Ferndale Golf Course is a fantastic place to bring your family. Whether you are learning the game or have played it all your life, it is a fun activity for an entire family. Golf is the only sport where you can see parents, grandparents, and children all engaged together on any given afternoon, outside with no electronics and laughing together. Now to us, that has a very positive impact on our community!
What do you think motivates the nominee?
The love both men have for the game of golf and the people who come to the course. They both have the vision to make it a positive experience. When people spend their hard-earned money playing a round of golf, they are hoping to do well, but more importantly, they enter another world: a place away from their day-to-day lives. These two owners appreciate each golfer and dinner guest as if they are at their own homes. Everyone we’ve encountered on or off the course refers to the upgraded grounds, not the mention the compliments regarding the staff they employ in the clubhouse. This is all due to the fact Denny and Luke are fair and just owners; they treat all of us with the utmost respect and get that respect in return.
What word or phrase can be used to describe him or her? Both are always smiling; Happy to lend a hand; Great at problem solving; Humble – in fact they probably will be almost too humble to accept this award, as I believe their “award” is the golf course itself. These two men are down to earth; motivated; very professional, which makes Rushford a not only a destination for Fillmore County, but home to many who play, eat and work at Ferndale.
Ryan & Allie Palmer
Root River Inn & Suites/Paddle on Coffee
Lanesboro, MN
Reason for nomination: Truly one of a kind couple who has brought so much optimism and idea to Lanesboro to help the community grow in a positive way and contribute so much back to their employees to show their appreciation for all their hard work and dedication to help make the business grow and flourish. They are always smiling and love meeting people when traveling thru whether staying at Root River Inn and Suites or Stopping by Paddle on Coffee to grab a refreshing drink that they work hard to come up with beverages the public love to enjoy; on top of the extras… the flowers… the rock sculptures… the wood crafts and list goes on… Amazing couple who was determined to make a positive difference in the community and they went above and beyond in my eyes and honored I work for such an amazing couple who both deserve to be recognized as it is the teamwork between them that all they have to provide possible for others to enjoy!
Describe the impact of the above: They have made me believe there is still good people who care about their employees and wants the best for everyone. They make you feel optimistic about what can be possible and get pumped up the achieve yet another goal by watching them keep climbing up the ladder to create more ideas to being to the community. In all my years working I have never worked for such caring… devoted and dedicated people like Ryan and Allie and I plan to work for them until I am not physically able to anymore and that is not happening anytime soon!
What do you think motivates the nominee?
To see others enjoying life and helping them to have the best time while staying or passing thru Lanesboro… they make you feel important and enjoy sharing their stories as well as hearing others as when you think you know all they do… they surprise you even more of more things they do to bring joy into others’ lives.
What word or phrase can be used to describe him or her? “If you see someone without a smile, give them yours to spread the positive vibes.”
Greg Bernard
Sunshine Foods
Spring Valley, MN
Reason for nomination: Because he is an outstanding boss and community member and his customer relations is totally awesome.
Describe the impact of the above: I love working at Sunshine Foods because my boss Greg Bernard is so friendly and helpful to his employees and his customers.
What do you think motivates the nominee?
He totally believes in the grocery store and he always strives to have the best prices and sales on all the products in the store when possible.
What word or phrase can be used to describe him or her? Totally awesome, and totally the best.
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