NEOY 2010
Each year, we invite our community partners, program trainers, consultants, staff and entrepreneurs to nominate business owners who are making a real difference in our communities.
All nominated businesses are considered for recognition in the following categories:
- Community Impact
- Business Achievement
- Business Creativity
- Longevity and Sustained Impact
- Business Turn Around
- Twin Cities Small Business of the Year
With the strong commitment and support that both Senator Paul and Sheila Wellstone gave to NDC and our entrepreneurs we present the Small Business of the Year award in their honor. The Senator Paul and Sheila WellstoneTwin Cities Small Business of the Year Award winner demonstrates both outstanding community impact and outstanding business growth.
The Senator Paul Wellstone and Sheila Wellstone 2010 Twin Cities Small Business of the Year is:
Rainbow Child Development Center- Owner Cheryl Mikel
Representing the Hamline-Midway Community
Sponsored by Northmarq Captial
Rainbow Child Development Center has been providing high quality child care in the Midway neighborhood of St. Paul since 1998. Rainbow’s mission is to recognize each child’s individuality and support it to be life-long learners. The Center provides a safe, nurturing place for children to learn, play and grow and is particularly proud of its commitment to serve low-income residents of the community. Rainbow currently provides care for 38 families, more than 85% of which qualify for childcare assistance from the County. Rainbow has a policy of working creatively with families in crisis and families struggling to make their co-payments and proudly boasts that it has NEVER kicked a family out because they lost their childcare assistance.
Owner Cheryl Mikel sets the tone at Rainbow. She is extremely involved in the community, volunteering on a variety of boards and committees, many of which are focused on improving the lives of families. She has assembled a diverse staff that speaks four different languages and whose longevity - more than 80% of the staff have been at Rainbow more than 2 years – speak to their commitment.
Rainbow has managed to achieve business viability while providing a critical neighborhood service for more than 10 years.
Community Impact Award
The 2010 Thomas McBurney Community Impact Award winner demonstrates community impact as a role model, leader, community gathering place, local employer, by filling a vacant storefront, or having an overall positive impact on the community it serves. The winner will receive $250. This award is sponsored by Nexus Community Partners. The 2010 Tom McBurney Community Impact Award goes to…
Generation 2 Generation, Inc.
Business Achievement Award
The 2010 Business Achievement Award winner demonstrates Business Revenue Growth since inception, added new services, product lines, expanded into new service areas and continues to grow. The winner will receive $250. This award is sponsored by Western Bank. The 2010 Business Achievement Award goes to…
Face 2 Face Interpreting, Inc.
Business Creativity Award
The 2010 Business Creativity Award winner demonstrates Business Creativity in their product line, marketing strategies and overall business concept. The winner will receive $250. This award is sponsored by Fredrikson & Byron, PA. The 2010 Business Creativity Award goes to…
Longevity and Sustained Impact Award
The 2010 Longevity and Sustained Impact Award winner demonstrates the ability to remain in business over the long haul by adapting to the ever changing business enivornment. The winner will receive $250. This award is sponsored by Wells Fargo - The 2010 Longevity and Sustained Impact Award award goes to …
Makram and Sharon El-Amin, El-Amin’s Fish House
Business Turn Around Award
This year we have a special award to honor a business that has made significant strides in business management and overall business performance during this difficult economy. The winner will receive $250. This award is sponsored by US Bank. The 2010 Business Turn Around Award goes to...
NDC is lucky to have a dedicated group of business journalists and small business experts who serve on our committee to select our winners:
- Vicky Davis--NAACP
- Andrew Swammi--Western Bank
- Tom Gitaa--Mshale Newspaper
- Mary Bennett--UBS Financial
- Miguel Ramos--Minnesota Twins
- Kathy Berke--Park Midway Bank
