KNUJ General Manager Paul Johnson said KNUJ Radio represents “local” and continues to support local (things) as opposed to satellite radio that does not.

“When you turn on KNUJ, you hear about New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, Hanska, Madelia and surrounding communities,” Johnson said. “It gives me great satisfaction to talk about the people like Brian Filzen, Tom Wheeler, Todd Olsen and Craig Hansen at this fantastic radio station.”

Other small business nominees were Bank Midwest and Guldan Family Farm.

Windings, Inc. CEO and President Heather Braimbridge-Cox spoke humbly.

KNUJ Radio is the 2022 New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year. Front row, left, Tom Wheeler and Brian Filzen. Back, Paul Johnson, Christy Foss, Craig Hansen, Sandy Scheibel, Samantha Fischer and Wendy Forst.

“Thank you so much for such a prestigious award. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude, Braimbridge-Cox said. “Thank you Chamber for recognizing businesses and what they accomplish. Congratulations to everyone at Windings. We’re growing and doing very well. We’ve got 150 employees and plan to soon add 100 more.”

“It’s about making a difference in the lives of others,” she added. “Roger and Carol Ryberg had a vision of creating an employee-owned company 24 years ago. We’re very proud of the things we build. Yes, we build electric motors that operate underwater, in commercial jets, weapons systems and in satellites.”

“We believe in this community and we’re grateful to be here. Thank you again,” Baimbridge-Cox said.

New Ulm Area Chamber/CEO Sarah Warmka said New Ulm Chamber Dollars have surpassed the $2 million mark and the Chamber has more than 300 members and more than 100 volunteers.

“My husband, Eric, and I came to Bockfest in New Ulm in 2010 and later moved here from St. Cloud,” Warmka said. “We didn’t have to move but we wanted to. We saw the potential in this town. There is work to do, but we’ll get there.

First Frühlingsfest

Warmka said coming events include the first-ever Southern Minnesota’s Frühlingsfest, a beer, wine and spirits festival May 7 at the Brown County Fairgrounds. Attendees have the opportunity to sample beer, wine, cider and spirits from the best local establishments at one location. Tickets are $45 for early access and $35 for general admission.

Incoming Chamber board chairperson Erin Lafferty introduced the businesses of the year, outgoing directors Brian Shropshire of Citizens Bank Mn., Brown County Attorney Paul Gunderson and Jeff Amundson of Bank Midwest; and incoming directors Chris Bowler, Gislason & Hunter, Shawn Jakes, Comcast/Xfinity and Britney Schmiesing, Chuck Spaeth Ford.