Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Moose Lodge, Helping Hands Junk Removal also receive honors

Albert Lea Select Foods was named the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce’s Large Business of the Year Tuesday evening in the organization’s annual banquet at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club.

Winning Medium Business of the Year was the Albert Lea Moose Lodge, and winning Small Business of the Year was Helping Hands Junk Removal.

Chamber Executive Director Shari Sprague said the large business category is for companies with 40 or more employees; the medium business category is for companies with 16 to 39 employees; and the small business category is for businesses with 15 or fewer.

Sprague said there were a lot of nominees this year, which was fun for her to see.

She described a few reasons why each of the businesses received the recognition.

She said Albert Lea Select Foods kicks off the fireworks donations every year, and she is also particularly appreciative of Plant Manager Jeff Woodside who has served on the chamber’s board of directors since she started in her role. The company has also been a part of the Blue Zones worksites.

Outgoing Chamber Board Chairman Allen Hendriks said the business has pushed the envelope to find solutions to the challenges it faces, whether that be ride shares or housing.

The Moose Lodge is known for all that it gives back in the community.

Hendriks said in 2023 they helped fundraised over $75,000 for many organizations.

“I love that,” Sprague said. “That’s the most impressive thing to me about any business is their ability to give back.”

Hendriks said the Moose Lodge is known to have a welcoming environment that provides a great place for individuals and families to gather.

Helping Hands Junk Removal helps people every day with its company, and she noted that its owner, Mark Muilenburg, is always supportive of the chamber’s Business After Hours. Hendriks said he has enjoyed watching the business grow over the last year.

“This business is an inspiring mix of talent, skill, crazy and fun,” he said, citing board member Robert Hoffman.

In addition to the award announcements, the banquet also included a trivia game, and a traveling trophy was given out to Cargill for the best decorated table for the third year in a row.

Hendriks passed the gavel to incoming chamber Board President John Double.

Jamilyn Schaehrer was named Ambassador of the Year.