F-M Chamber announces 2016 ChamberChoice awards

The Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber of Commerce held its 2016 ChamberChoice awards luncheon May 20 at the Ramada Plaza and Suites in Fargo, announcing seven distinguished honors recognizing businesses and entrepreneurs in the three communities — Fargo and West Fargo in North Dakota and Moorhead in Minnesota. Winners for six of the awards were selected by a panel of judges and the seventh — People’s Choice — was chosen by citizens of the cities through online voting.

The event’s master of ceremonies was James Cunningham, a stand-up comedian, TV show host and public speaker who amused the crowd with political jokes, as well as jabs at both millenials and baby boomers.

The 2016 ChamberChoice award winners are:

• Small Business of the Year: Great North Insurance

• Business of the Year:

Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services Inc.

• Small Not-for-Profit of the Year:

Dorothy Day House of Hospitality

• Not-for-Profit of the Year:

Rape & Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead

• Entrepreneur of the Year:

Eric Newell, Stoneridge Software

• Young Professionals Best Place to Work:

Gate City Bank

• People’s Choice Award: Healing Arts Chiropractic

“To us, this is such a great honor,” said Dee Fealy, shelter director for the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality, as she accepted the Small Not-for-Profit of the Year award. “We just think of it as going to work every day for our family.” Staff at Dorothy Day see their jobs as their life calling, she added. The center is dedicated to providing housing and food for those in need and raising awareness of social justice, according to its website.

Chris Johnson, the executive director of the Rape & Abuse Crisis Center, said the center’s staff, its progressive board and the encouragement of the Chamber deserve credit for the Not-forProfit of the Year award. “I have the honor of leading such an incredible organization,” he said.

Nick Killoran, owner of Great North Insurance, started his company from scratch without a base of existing clients, according to the Chamber. While accepting his award for Small Business of the Year, he said, “I am honored to be up here to accept this award on behalf of our team at Great North. They’re the reason we’re here.” He acknowledged support from the Chamber and his family, as well as the community. “It’s support like this in a community like ours that makes this the best place to open a business and raise a family.” PB

Lisa Gibson Editor, Prairie Business 701.787.6753 lgibson@prairiebusinessmagazine.com