Local business in the spotlight

The Chamber presented awards as part of its annual meeting on Wednesday. Honors went to winners in categories for businesses, hospitality professionals, volunteers, and more.

Marshall Area Chamber President Brad Gruhot said the organization saw some growth over the past year.

“We had 65 new members in the last fiscal year, which is really, really good,” Gruhot said. The new Chamber members included 19 from outside the city of Marshall. The Marshall Area Chamber had a total of 622 members, which was strong for an area business community, Gruhot said.

At same time, Gruhot said the Chamber had 61 canceled memberships in the past fiscal year, as well as decreased participation in some of its programs, like the Young Professionals and Women’s Connect groups.

Nick Schwarz of AP Design received the Chamber’s Rookie of the Year award.

“We, as well as many other chambers, have seen a decrease in attendance when it comes to some of our events,” Gruhot said. “We are working with our board ambassadors on this as well to strengthen these numbers.”

A total of six awards were presented at Wednesday’s meeting. Nominees for each award were voted on by Chamber members.

Kelly Brunsvold received the Volunteer of the Year award, for her willingness to contribute to the community.

“A number of our volunteers volunteer with us, but also in the community,” Gruhot said. Brunsvold’s nomination said she had a can-do attitude, and helped out in a number of community organizations and at Prairie Home Hospice and Community Care.

“She’s not afraid to fundraise, which is a key attribute as a volunteer, and she’s a very positive person in general,” Gruhot said.

Brock Klaith of Small Town Events received the Business of the Year award.

Nick Schwarz of AP Design received the Rookie of the Year award. Nick and Jill Schwarz bought AP Design in 2023. Later, they expanded with the Send It shipping location in Marshall.

“This individual has done an amazing job getting involved with the business community,” Gruhot said of Schwarz. “He’s far from a rookie in the business world, but he’s fairly new when it comes to owning his own business.”

Comments on his nomination praised Schwarz’s work with customers, and said Send It also provided a needed service in the community.

“It has been clear that they have a high degree of quality, and excellent customer service,” Gruhot said.

Lyle Patzer and Mark Patzer of Patzer’s Hardware Hank received the All-Star Award. Gruhot said the Patzers had received a number of nominations for the honor.

Krista Bjella, Lauren Deutz and Jeremy Williams accepted the Nonprofit of the Year award for the Pride in the Tiger Foundation.

“These two are always giving the best service to their customers,” Gruhot said.

Patzer’s can help customers with everything from a lawnmower or snowblower not starting, to appliances or advice on lawn care, he said.

“They are so ingrained in our community, and are a staple of our community. They help take care of us,” Gruhot said.

The Pride in the Tiger Foundation received the Nonprofit of the Year award.

“This organization continues to work hard to make sure that all schools have the supplies and opportunities that they need,” Gruhot said.

Kelly Brunsvold received the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year award.

The foundation has worked to secure grants to benefit education, and has helped both public and private schools in Marshall.

Jett Wing, of Wings Axe Company, received the Hospitality award. Gruhot said the award is given to individuals or businesses that are examples of great customer service in settings like hotels and restaurants.

Nominators said Wings Axe, an axe-throwing business that opened in Marshall last year, went above and beyond in service.

“The minute you walk through their door, the whole staff is super friendly and inviting. The whole team are top notch,” Gruhot said. “I got to know Jett Wing through the Lyon and Murray County CEO program during his senior year (of high school), and he has done an amazing job with Wings Axe Company.”

Brock Klaith of Small Town Events was presented with the Business of the Year award. Gruhot said the award is given to businesses that have made extraordinary contributions to the Marshall area.

Jett Wing of Wings Axe Company received the Chamber’s Hospitality award, for businesses with exemplary service in settings like restaurants or hotels.

“This business has made a big commitment to Marshall when it comes to driving traffic to Marshall,” Gruhot said.

Klaith has been “a huge asset” to the community by providing different forms of entertainment and local events, he said.

“He has built a level of trust with organizations and businesses community-wide to put these events together,” Gruhot said.

Chamber Board members recognized

In addition to presenting awards, the Marshall Area Chamber also recognized two members of its board of directors. Eric Eben and Chad Drake had each served two three-year terms on the board, Gruhot said.

“Eric spent his time as our treasurer, and was critical to our organization throughout the worst of COVID and when it came to applying for government grants and much more,” Gruhot said. “Eric is a voice of reason and has been highly respected on our board for the last six years.”

Over his six years on the board, Drake filled a few different key roles on the executive committee, including vice chair and chair, Gruhot said.

“Chad was someone that I could lean on for advice, and he was an amazing asset to our board,” he said.

Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce board members Chad Drake (pictured) and Eric Eben were recognized for their contributions to the board. Eben was not able to attend Wednesday’s award ceremony.