Once Upon a Main Street: Winners Announced

Chamber Connect eBlast

Advocating for business, caring for community.

Monday night, our community gathered to write another beautiful chapter in Sauk Centre’s story at the Sauk Centre Serves Awards Dinner.

From the moment the doors opened, the room was filled with collaboration, generosity, and hometown pride. It was a night that celebrated service, leadership, and the magic that happens when a community shows up for one another.

Our dessert auction added a sweet spot to the evening thanks to auctioneers Rob Wiener and Jenn Kerfeld and the generous bakers who donated their talents and treats: Butter & Batter, Tutti Fruitti Market Farm, Truckers Inn, Imperfections by Christina, Purple Parlor, and Prado House of Cookies. Thank you to the Sinclair Lewis Library for donating books for our center pieces. Live music from Shannon and Ben set the tone and brought the room together. Behind the scenes and throughout the evening, our Board of Directors kept everything running smoothly, supporting the lottery basket envelope raffle, 50/50 raffles, and stepping in wherever needed, from setup to takedown. Their teamwork and dedication truly brought the night to life.

Jenn Kerfeld Photography was on site capturing professional photos of our nominees and award recipients, and our online auction brought in bids from near and far. We are grateful to everyone who donated, participated, and supported the evening.

Behind the scenes, our Board of Directors showed up in every way imaginable, from setup to cleanup, auction donations, and everything in between. Their time, energy, and commitment are what make nights like this possible.

A heartfelt thank you to the Sauk Centre American Legion Post 67 for hosting us and for the welcoming space, wonderful food, and excellent service.

Below, we invite you to celebrate the businesses and individuals who help make Sauk Centre such a special place.

New Business of the Year

Nominees:

Centre Garage Door

Guardian 4 Heroes Non-Profit

Mies Outland Sauk Centre

Recipient: Wolbeck Marine & Sports LLC

Business of the Year

Nominees:

Centre Towing, Inc.

Kraemer Lumber Co., Inc.

Westside Liquor

Recipient: Jitters Java Cafe

Citizen of the Year

Nominees:

Bonnie Nelson

Becky & James Schreiner

Rob & Jo Wiener

Recipient: Jacki & Terry Mead

Small Business of the Year

Nominees:

Blue Ox Websites & Marketing (formerly Cohlab Digital Marketing)

Kleinschmidt Plumbing Heating & A/C

Restock New & Vintage

Recipient: Babbitt's Wine Bar

Employee of the Year

Nominees:

Kayla Douvier – Beste & Associates

Emily Kramer – 510 Art Lab

Tony Moritz – Christianson PLLP

Patty Vasey – Winters, Meier & Larson LLC

Riley Merten – Eyes On Main

Recipient: Rosa Breitbach – Cura of Sauk Centre

Lifetime Achievement Award

Recipient: Pam Borgmann

Once upon a Main Street, neighbors came together to celebrate service, leadership, and the people who make this community thrive. We are incredibly proud to serve Sauk Centre and to help tell its story, one chapter at a time.

Thank you for being part of it.

As we look ahead, we are deeply grateful for our 2026 Board of Directors, whose leadership, time, and heart continue to move the Chamber forward. These individuals represent a wide range of industries and perspectives, yet share a common commitment to strengthening Sauk Centre. They show up, often behind the scenes, with thoughtful guidance, steady support, and a genuine belief in this community. We are incredibly thankful for their willingness to serve and for the leadership they bring as we continue writing the next chapter together.

Back left to right:

James Macey - Hubbard Radio

Kayla Ritter- Minnesota National Bank

Stacie Michels- President & CEO

Sara Hoffner - Visit Sauk Centre

Pat Winters- Winters, Meier, & Larson Accounting

Tena Wensman - Dairyland Peach

Cara Lewis - CU1

Front Left to Right:

Brent Lieser - Sauk Centre Public Schools

BJ Welle - Dan Welle Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Amanda Ritter - Sauk Centre Travel Plaza / Truckers Inn