The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses with their second annual Business Awards.
While this is the second award show, it is the first one to be held in person as last year’s was virtual. This year’s winner for the Women/Minority Owned Business award was Loving Arms Enterprises Childcare and Preschool. Founder LaFarris Risby says she is deeply honored for this award.
During her speech, Risby said she believes children are the community’s greatest resource. Being able to be a part of families’ stories and being recognized for that, she says is amazing.
Borck Brothers menswear was this year’s Small Business of the Year winner. Owner Fred Borck says winning this award is a representation of his efforts to represent the Chamber for the past four decades.
Borck says customer satisfaction is a vital component to his business. Around 30 years ago, Borck had a customer who sent multiple people to his business because he took care of him. Borck says small businesses are also very vital to the Manhattan community.
Manko Windows was awarded the Cornerstone Award, an award given to the business that shows active participation in the business and local communities. President Gary Jones was honored with the award, saying there were plenty of other worthy businesses.
Manko had been sponsoring the American Legion Baseball for 30 years before it ended and are heavily involved in youth athletics. Jones says Manhattan has always been home to him since it has treated him well.
Other businesses who received an award were Weddle and Sons for the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, Wildwood Adventures for the Tourism Development Award, and Bockers II Catering and Walmart were inducted into the Chamber’s Legacy Circle.
