Manko Windows was named the 2021 Cornerstone award winner. Other winners were Weddle & Sons, Wildwood Adventure Park, Loving Arms Daycare, and Borck Brothers. Additionally, Bockers II and Wal-Mart were recognized as new Legacy Circle members which are businesses with 50 years of consecutive membership.
“We are thrilled to get the opportunity to honor so many great businesses,” said Jason Smith President and CEO of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. “This is a great opportunity to recognize the importance of the business community on Manhattan’s economy and the quality of life of its residents.”
Winners were announced in five catagories: Cornerstone, Small Business of the Year, Women/Minority Owned Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial Spirit and Tourism Development. Criteria were established for each award and nominations were taken. A committee evaluated each nomination and decided winners based on those businesses that most matched the criteria.
The Manhattan Chamber recognized the following:
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award celebrates the entrepreneur who has led the way for their business. The nominee will demonstrate true entrepreneurial spirit through the creation of a new business locally, despite the risks involved. The entrepreneur will be noted for the creativity of the new product or service being offered as well as the demonstration of sound business practices. The 2021 recipient is Weddle & Sons.
The Tourism Development Award is presented to a business that has made a significant contribution to the tourism industry in the area. This business has created a new, innovative product, policy, service or event to promote and enhance tourism in the local community. The 2021 recipient is Wildwood Adventure Park.
The Women/Minority Owned Business Award recognizes diverse business leaders and decision-makers across all industries who have a proven track record of excellence in advocating for others within their communities and workplaces throughout the local community. The 2021 recipient is Loving Arms Daycare.
The Small Business of the Year Award honors a small business within the Manhattan community that exemplifies both business and civic leadership. Community involvement, management practices and overall financial performance are the primary criteria for this category. The 2021 recipient is Borck Brothers.
The Cornerstone Award honors a business that exemplifies what being a “solid pillar of the community” is all about. It is given to a local business that has demonstrated growth in sales, employees and/or services since its origination. Additionally, it will be evident of active participation in the business community and their impact on the local community with association involvement as well as community volunteering. The 2021 recipient is Manko Window Systems.