Recognition ceremony tops off chamber's record year

A record number of people attended the Red Wing Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting and recognition ceremony Monday night.

More than 300 people packed into Treasure Island Resort & Casino’s Wacipi/Tinta Wita Room. That number breezed past last year’s total of about 250 attendees.

That record is just one more that the chamber can add to its list for 2011. Outgoing Chairman Don Kliewer recapped 2011’s accomplishments during Monday night’s meeting, which lasted about 15 minutes.

“The chamber was very active,” he said.

Some of last year’s accomplishments include: a healthy reserve fund and record numbers of new members, visitors to the chamber office and nominees for businesses of the year. In addition, more Chamber Bucks were sold last year than in any previous year.

Kliewer added that the organization also sponsored more than 30 networking opportunities and kept members informed using its Chamber e-newsletters.

Donna Anderst, who will take over as chair, also spoke at Monday’s event.

After the meeting was adjourned, dinner and a dessert auction, which more than $6,100 for the chamber, followed.

The last portion of the evening, themed “An Evening in Paris,” was devoted to the awards ceremony.

Ric Claydon of Claydon’s Hallmark was named Ambassador of the Year and Lisa Woletz of the Red Wing Republican Eagle earned Volunteer of the Year honors.

Businesses of the Year are:

• Manufacturer of the Year: Red Wing Shoe Co.

• Newcomer to the Chamber: All Creatures Veterinary Clinic

• Restaurant of the Year: Brickhouse Pub & Grille

• Retailer of the Year: Meatheads Meats & Deli Inc.

• Service Business of the Year: body kneads Massage & Wellness Center

Chamber Oresident Patty Brown wrapped up the evening by looking ahead to 2012.

“At the end of 2011, the tower has reached new heights,” she said, comparing the chamber to the replica Eiffel Tower set up next to the stage Monday evening.

The chamber is looking to build on that in the coming year, Brown said, including increasing membership by 7 percent, continuing to carry out its strategic plan and focusing on communication and educational opportunities for its members.

Tags: red wing, treasure island event center, business, minnesota, social