Recognizing Small Businesses

Small Business Recognition: Mickman Brothers Garden Center - Ham Lake, MN (Chris Mickman) 

Submitted by: Z Garcia, Ham Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

Mickman Brothers has been a great partner for HLACC by offering that we use their parking lot for the Farmers Market. It's an excellent location! We line up volunteers to help with Parking and when there are not enough volunteers, they are more than willing to step in. Meg is fantastic to work with as is Chris. Everyone at Mickman has an outstanding attitude and willingness to make it all work as best as possible.

Small Business Recognition: Mickman Brothers Garden Center - Ham Lake, MN (Chris Mickman)

Submitted by: Brenda Nolby, Jam Hops

Mickman Brothers goes above and beyond supporting our community. They are the host site for the Ham Lake Farmers Market, they spearhead the organization of the Ham Lake Snow Bowl which is our local winter community event, and they host fundraisers and other community events at their facility. I feel that their passion for our community is a great example for us all!

Small Business Recognition: Jules' Bistro - St. Cloud, MN (Donella Westphal)

Submitted by: anonymous

For the last several years, the Jules' team has committed time, energy, and resources to community non-profits like Anna Marie's Alliance and the Diaper Drive, has developed partnerships within the community with SCSU Athletics and other businesses, and has been the driving force behind several downtown revitalization efforts like Art Crawl. Even with the significant challenges facing restaurants during Covid, Donella and her team are still focused on the community, pioneering a program called CAKE (Culinary Acts of Kindness Encouraged) that provides meals to Anna Marie's Alliance through customer cake purchases. Jules' has even partnered with Beaver Island to keep supporting local musicians. At a time when we all need to give just a little bit more to help our communities and local businesses, the Jules' Bistro team is providing the rest of us a roadmap to do just that.

Small Business Recognition: Rollies Rednecks & Longnecks - Sauk Rapids, MN (Roland)

Submitted by: Jamey Maurer, Advanced Repair

Rollie and his staff are constantly supporting local charities. Rollie and Deanna are Lions members, donating time, space , and funding on a regular basis. Any time a worthy cause approaches them to help with an event , they always say yes with a smile. Real assets to our community.

Small Business Recognition: Anytime Fitness - Ham Lake, MN (Brenda Jewell)

Submitted by: Sidella Outten, Falcon National Bank

Immaculately clean fitness facility with state of the art equipment and a awesome friendly staff.

Small Business Recognition: Scout and Morgan Books - Cambridge, MN (Judith Kissner)

Submitted by: Rick Schneider, Isanti Spirits, LLC 

Judith runs a wonderful business bringing reading to our communities. Judith and her staff are always there to help with special orders and book recommendations. Our whole family are readers and we buy all the books we can at Scout and Morgan. Judith brings great writers and speakers to visit Cambridge. She is single handedly raising the culture awareness of our towns.

Small Business Recognition: Remedy Beauty & Body - St. Cloud, MN (Amanda LaFrance)

Submitted by: Donella Westphal, Jules' Bistro

Remedy Beauty & Body is a skincare and self-care partner who believes in a simpler, more natural approach. After years of aggressive and complicated skincare routines and painful, deep tissue massage, I am relieved to indulge in a more holistic, spiritual practice that yields even more fabulous results. The product and service recommendations have been spot on. The staff are knowledgeable, straightforward, and delightful. I'm so grateful to have access to such a beautiful healing space in St. Cloud.

Small Business Recognition: Safe Shield Consulting - Sauk Center, MN (Kent Gustafson)

Submitted by: Tina Mrozek, Blacklight Adventures 

Kent is an incredible guy who cares about his clients. He is very knowledgeable, proactive, and efficient. Most importantly, he is encouraging and supportive. As a business owner, we can move forward with confidence because we have Kent in our corner to guide us through important business decisions.

Small Business Recognition: Rachel's Closet - Isanti, MN (Rachel Heppner)

Submitted by: Kayla Petron 

Rachel's Closet in Isanti, MN is so much more than a place to buy cute clothes. Each and every employee there makes you feel like you're a friend. I've walked into that store not feeling very confident, and leave with my head held high. They offer to style you and help you find clothes that flatter you. Not only are they are clothing boutique, but they also have a group called Rachel's Closet Cares that is designed to offer encouragement and hope to all women. They are all so kind!

I don't get to physically visit the store often, but make special trips with my friends and family a few times a year. I do love to shop their store online as well and I love how fast my orders arrive on my doorstep. Their whole team is comprised of hardworking and amazing people!

Small Business Recognition: Isanti Bicycle - Isanti, MN (Dale Matson)

Submitted by: Dan Nordlund, Westpoint Repair, LLC 

Being a light in a dark year for the kids and adults that ride bicycles in the Isanti area. Encouraging outdoor activities and exercise with bike riding. Being a positive role model for the younger generations and being an all around good, helpful person in the community.

Small Business Recognition: Barb Block Hair Salon - Richmond, MN (Barb Block)

Submitted by: Kris Ruegemer

I have been getting my hair done now by Barb just going on three years in December. She was able to get me in to her schedule quickly when I needed a haircut due to a death in my family. Since then she has been my hair stylist. Going to Barb for a haircut is like going to see a old friend. She is always very cheerful and respectful of our conversations and I learn something new each and every time I go into the salon. It is sometimes very hard to feel so comfortable with someone right from the get go, however with Barb it was just automatic. Thanks Barb for making me feel beautiful and for our good conversations. I truly appreciate your service!

Small Business Recognition: Goodfellas - Ronneby, MN (Steven Propf)

Submitted by: Stacey Fulgham, Westwind Logistics 

He has been dedicated to his establishment since taking over ownership. Working extended hours making sure it runs smoothly. He has become creative during this crazy time of Covid. He has an amazing work ethic and his staff genuinely love working with him.

Small Business Recognition: Automotive Professionals - Richmond, MN (Jim Klein)

Submitted by: Kris Ruegemer

My husband and I have been going to Jim's business now for many years for all of the service needs on our vehicles. My husband always comments about how truthful Jim is when a repair may or may not be needed/worth it depending upon the vehicle. We feel very comfortable knowing that we are in good hands. He is always very prompt with service for us and is willing to give us good, sound advice. Another fun plus in doing business with Jim is that he always has classic rock music playing in his shop while working on our vehicles. It is great to hear that walking through his doors! Thanks, Jim for your great service over the years. We truly appreciate you and all the great care you give to our vehicles.

Small Business Recognition: Leo's Autobody & Glass - Albany, MN (Leo Gertken)

Submitted by: Kris Ruegemer

My husband and I and our family have used Leo's Service now for quite a few years. Leo is always very fair and does a wonderful job fixing our mishaps. Two of the mishaps happened last year on the same day! He always makes us feel very comfortable and we totally trust his judgement when doing body work on our vehicles. Thanks, Leo for your service to not only our family, but to our entire community. 

Small Business Recognition: Family First Chiropractic - Waite Park, MN (Dr. Jon and Laura)

Submitted by: Kayla Petron

I have been going to Family First Chiropractic in Waite Park, MN for over 3 years now and I cannot say enough good things about them! I see Dr. Jon there and he has helped improve my body tremendously! Their receptionist, Laura is always very kind and friendly. They see many people every day and know everyone by name! They also offer several dinner sessions throughout the year where customers can bring a guest to learn more about their business, specific chiropractic techniques and how to keep your body healthy. I appreciate the extra work they do to promote healthy bodies and minds throughout the community!

Small Business Recognition: Innovations Plus - East Bethel, MN (Paula Moon)

Submitted by: Brenda Nolby, Jam Hops

Paula has been a great community leader for many years and grown her business remarkably over the years too! Paula serves on the Ham Lake and East Bethel Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, participates in many committees for community events, and helps with the Ham Lake Farmers Market each week. I appreciate her giving so much to our community!