Chad Kulas
By Chad Kulas, Midway Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, chad@midwaychamber.com
On March 2, 2024, the Midway Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Celebration. This is our biggest event every year and one of the highlights of the evening is honoring members with awards. Our five categories are Rookie, Nonprofit, Small Business, Large Business and Volunteer of the Year. Our members can make nominations, and then a subcommittee narrows down each category to three finalists. The winners are then chosen by our committee members voting. Without further ado, here our 2024 Leadership Award winners…
Rookie of the Year: Slice Brothers Pizza
Over the past two years, Slice Brothers Pizza has shown their dedication to Saint Paul and the Frogtown/Midway neighborhoods. With new locations at Frogtown Crossroads and the upcoming Treasure Island Center in downtown Saint Paul, they have not only shown their dedication to the City of Saint Pau,l but also their popularity and success are making waves everywhere they go.
Slice Brothers have opened five locations across the Twin Cities, contributing to the local economy and creating many jobs.
Other Finalists: Chops Inc, Rafiki Coffee & Cafe
Nonprofit of the Year: Neighborhood Development Center
NDC has been a community leader in Saint Paul and the Frogtown/Midway neighborhoods for over 30 years. They have supported hundreds of small businesses and BIPOC entrepreneurs, and have now been awarded their biggest responsibility yet by the State of Minnesota in distributing funds through the Promise Act. This heavy lift was assigned because of the expertise and proven track record of NDC.
Other finalists: Como Friends, Visit Roseville
Large Business of the Year: Saint Paul Port Authority
While technically not a large business themselves, the Saint Paul Port Authority has done a lot of the Saint Paul business community and is a leader in development and job creation. The Heights project has the potential to the biggest commercial real estate opportunity in the history of Saint Paul’s East Side, having a goal of 1,000 jobs.
The Port has also been a great source of information to our members and many others. In 2023, they sponsored six continuing education courses for Real Estate professionals which were held at venues like Chamber member Urban Growler Brewing.
Other finalists: Sunrise Banks, Suntide Commercial Realty
Small Business of the Year: Colossal Café (Como location)
Colossal Café has been a great catering partner for the Midway Chamber as they have partnered with us on both monthly luncheons and economic development events. They have often waived delivery fees as event sponsors and have helped craft special custom menus. Colossal is one of our most popular Lunch on the Line locations, and they have continually been generous with gift cards and certificates for Chamber event auctions.
Other Finalists: Dual Citizen Brewing Company, TMC Publications CO/Monitor
Volunteer of the Year: Jessie Higgins, Neighborhood Development Center
Jessie never hesitates to volunteer her expertise or connections, or the resources and space of Neighborhood Development Center to a Midway Chamber member or event. The board retreat, as well as other meetings, have been graciously hosted by Jessie at their NDC space. In addition to serving on the Chamber Board and Economic Development Committee, Jessie is this year’s Annual Celebration chair, lending her vision and great ideas and energy to ensuring the 2024 event will be successful.
Other Finalists: Kris Kiefer-Vik of Chad Babcock State Farm; Michelle Murzyn of Minnesota Bank & Trust
We were excited to announce this year’s recipients and recognize them for their great work in our community and helping build a stronger Midway. Think about others you know who help make our neighborhood better and brighten their day by telling them thanks for their contributions.
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