The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of their 2013 Businesses of the Year awards at their annual dinner held on Oct. 10 at Les & Jim’s Lincoln Lanes banquet hall.
Each year business members of the chamber nominate and vote on businesses of the year in four different categories and the winners are announced at the chamber’s annual awards celebration held in October. This year’s awards were presented by Chamber President Gail Bloch and Executive Director Debbe Kinsey.
The 2013 Businesses of the Year by category are: Large Business of the Year is AGRA Industries presented to Pat Hinner, CEO; Mid-sized Business of the Year is Culver’s of Merrill presented to Lori and Joe Wakefield, owners; Small Business of the Year is Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo Association presented to Bryon Bloch and Pete Annis, President and Vice President; and Hometown Business of the Year is First Street Coffee Station presented to Dawn and Don Swan, owners.
In addition, the Ambassador of the Year was awarded to Debbie Schleif who represents Ministry Good Samaritan Health Care Center.
The chamber also unveiled the winning painting for their 3rd Annual Very Merrill Christmas Card submitted by artist Ted Nicholson. This year’s painting depicts the bridge in Stange’s Park and the park-side view of the T.B. Scott Library with the Legion Hall in the background. Nicholson has been the winning artist of the chamber’s holiday card for all three years.
The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce was established in 1911 and has continually served Merrill businesses for 102 years. For information on chamber programs contact them at (715) 536-9474 or visit them on the web at www.merrillchamber.org