25th Annual Business of the Year Awards

Photos from the Business of the Year Awards Luncheon.  Click on a photo to see a larger version.

Harry Browns Family Automotive– Business of the Year

Founded in 1968 by Harry Brown, this local business has been providing new and used cars sales and service for over 40 years. Harry Brown’s employs approximately 75 people. They are the top volume dealer in southern Minnesota and offer Cadillac, GMC, Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep products. The business also includes an automatic carwash facility and an Abra Autobody dealership. The second generation of the Brown family is now active in ownership and management. Harry Brown’s Family Automotive was chosen as the business of the year for their resiliency in difficult times, altering their business model to meet the changing market and economy while growing their successful enterprise in Faribault. They were also commended for their generous support of many youth sports and community events. Harry Brown’s family Automotive is a living example of entrepreneurship, with humble beginnings as a small used car lot to a large volume family business that is a mainstay of the Faribault area.

Fette Electronics – Small Business of the Year

Fette Electronics first opened in 1962 when owner Dick Fette returned home from the Airforce. They opened their current location downtown in 1967. The business began with Dick making house calls and Joyce home with the kids. Now the “kids” are an integral part of the business, each with their own area of expertise. Fette Electronics is another example of a family business that has weathered many storms and adapted many changes. The business model had to change with each change in technology. There were several years when most of Dick’s time was spent repairing VCR’s. Now Fette Electronics is a retail electronics store with TV’s, Computers, stereo components with service and repair in-house. A big part of their business is commercial and residential security and sound systems. There is virtually no community event that has gone without the expertise of Fette Electronics. Events such as the Rice County Fair, Tree Frog Music Festival and many chamber events benefit from the sound equipment and expertise the Fettes provide. One nomination said “Fette’s has High-Tech products with the same family feel of years gone by”

The Cheese Cave – New Business Spotlight

The Cheese Cave is a unique draw to downtown Faribault. It is also a connection to the historic caves which have a distinct place in Faribault history. The beautiful facility, creative marketing ideas and friendly staff have made it a key element of the community in the short time they have been open. Founded by three friends, Jeff Jirik, Jeff LaBeau, and Bob Foley, The Cheese Cave serves as the retail store for The Faribault Dairy Company, makers of the premium blue cheese Amablu. Store Manager Laura Paquette has become active in the DAC Promotions committee and the I GET IT promotion which promotes the value of shopping locally. In less than one year, The Cheese Cave has become a destination and a local favorite.

Businesses are nominated by any Chamber member and selected based on the impact they have on the local economy, the community and their employees.

Other honorees at the luncheon include the Chamber volunteer of the year and the businesses who have qualified for recognition in the Business Gives Program.

Luncheon

This is the 25th annual Business Awards Luncheon. The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce is proud of its tradition on honoring outstanding businesses.

Join us in honoring these award winning businesses at the 2010 Business of the Year Awards Luncheon, Thursday May 13 beginning at 11:30 am at the Elks East Wing. Reservations can be made on-line at www.faribaultmn.org or be calling the chamber office at 334-4381.