Midway Chamber announces awards

The Midway Chamber of Commerce has named the 2014 recipients of its annual leadership awards. The awards were given out at its annual celebration event and recognize different businesses, non-profits, and individuals, who go above and beyond in their support of the chamber and the Midway community through the volunteering of their time, staff, and other resources. The winners this year are:

— Terri Banaszewski received the volunteer of the year award, sponsored by Davis Communications and Zipko Strategy. Banaszewski, Sunrise Bank, is an event pro and has been active on the Midway Chamber Events committee. Her insight and dedication are the reason the annual Chamber celebration has grown over the past few years. She also participates in the Economic Development committee and attends almost all of the Chamber’s programming and events.

— St. Paul Saints Baseball Club received the award for large business of the year, sponsored by the Midway Lions Club. The Saints have played their home games at Midway Stadium since 1993 and have been members of the Midway Chamber since then. They have continuously shown their support of the Midway Chamber through Board representation, committee involvement, overall participation, sponsorship, donations and a host to many Chamber outings and events.

— O’Gara’s Restaurant received the award for the small business of the year, sponsored by the Roseville Visitors Association. This third generation, family owned business has been a Midway Chamber member for over a decade, and has been actively involved by hosting many meetings and events. In addition, they are always willing and ready to show their support though in-kind donations.

— The Saint Paul Police Department (SPPD) received the award for organization of the year, sponsored by Mahoney Ulbrich Christiansen & Russ P.A. The SPPD has been an active member of the Midway Chamber for the past seven years. Along with serving on the Board of Directors and participating in programming and events, they serve the community through events like Shop with Cops and by keeping our community and members informed and safe. St. Paul is a great city to do business because of their fine work.