Winners Announced For 2013 Chamber Awards

Woodbury-area companies have been named winners for several awards sponsored by the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce. 

Earlier this week, the chamber announced its 2013 winners for Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, Educator of the Year and Nonprofit of the Year. 

Award winners are as follows:

The 2013 Citizen of the Year is Jack Lanners, president of F.T.L., which owns numerous MGM Wine & Spirits retail stores.

A Woodbury resident for more than 30 years, “Lanners is the consummate business leader and community volunteer, providing his business expertise and knowledge and giving his time and talents to numerous local and regional nonprofit groups,” according to a press release from the chamber. 

In addition, Lanners serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the Woodbury Community Foundation, the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association and affiliated MLBA Children’s Fund; is a board member of the Center of the American Experiment, Friends of the St. Paul Libraries and F.T.&L.M. Lanners Foundation.

The 2013 Business of the Year is Minuteman Press. Located in Oakdale, Minutespress provides “top-notch service to their clients. The company displays professionalism in their work and is committed to supporting the community. At Minuteman Press their philosophy is to help the business and non-profit organizations within the community. Minuteman Press believes in the ‘pay it forward’ philosophy,” according to the press release from the chamber.

Robin Kazek, Lake Middle School 8th Grade School Counselor, named 2013 Educator of the Year.  The chamber praised Kazek’s skills, talent, as well as the educator’s efforts to “go above and beyond a normal work day in order to create an all-encompassing guidance program, based on progressive best practices and intentional support and commitment.  Her strong belief in students becoming who they are meant to be serves as the basis for her success as an educator.” 

The Nonprofit of the Year, was awarded to the Christian Cupboard Emergency Food Shelf (CCEFS). Under Dick and Sharon Wolff’s leadership, “dedicated volunteers have served the needs of the Woodbury community for more than 30 years, providing food to hundreds of people each week. CCEFS has had a positive impact in the community and during the recession, stepped up to meet the immediate increased demands,” according to the chamber press release. 

Recipients will be honored at the chamber’s upcoming Gala, set for 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24 at the Prom Center in Oakdale.  The event will be a celebration of commerce, community and features the community awards, dinner and silent auction.  It is open to the public and tickets are available for purchase at the chamber office. 

For more information go to www.woodburychamber.org, or contact the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce at 651-578-0722, or email chamber@woodburychamber.org.

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