Saint Paul Business Award
The Saint Paul Business Awards Program was launched in 2017 to recognize the outstanding businesses that call Saint Paul home. The program recognizes local businesses that provide critical services, contribute to the City's community, invest in their employees and are committed to Saint Paul's values of equity and diversity. Since then, twenty-four (24) Saint Paul businesses--small businesses to major employers and new start-ups to generations-old family firms--have been honored for their role in making Saint Paul a vibrant and prosperous city.
Business Awards Guidelines (Eligibility Requirements): To be eligible for an award, a Saint Paul business must
- be committed to equity, diversity and empowerment,
- provide outstanding customer service,
- demonstrate commitment to the community through volunteer work and contributions,
- be in good standing with the City of Saint Paul (i.e., no outstanding fees, abatement issues, etc.),
- be involved in the community or make attempts to better the community as a whole,
- not have been selected by the committee for an award in five years, and
- not be a non‐profit organization.
(Preference will be given to businesses who hire young people as interns, either through the city’s Right Track program or in another way.)
2020 Business Awards Winners
The program is in its fourth year and the nomination period started on January 6, 2020. The nomination and application period ended in March 2020. Because of the health pandemic, it was not feasible for the Selection Committee to meet at that time and the 2020 Business Awards process was been put on hold. In October 2020, the Selection Committee had a virtual meeting where they deliberated on the 2020 Business Award winners. An announcement of the winners was released to the media, district councils and community members and a presentation of the winners was made at a City Council virtual meeting on November 4th. Please go here to watch the virtual presentation. Thank you for supporting Saint Paul businesses.
Flannery Construction (Ward 1), 1375 St. Anthony Avenue - Good Neighbor Award - Honors a business that shows a dedication to improving the community.
Candyland (Ward 2), 435 Wabasha Avenue N. - Traditions Award - Honoring a business that has been active in Saint Paul for at least 20 years.
Jandrich Floral (Ward 2), 976 7th W. Street - People’s Choice Award - Honoring a business that is recognized for its excellence by Saint Paul residents.
Karibu Grocery & Deli (Ward 7), 719 Payne Avenue - New Kid on the Block Award - Honoring a business that has opened in Saint Paul within the last five years.
Below is a video of the 2020 awards winners who were recognized at a virtual Saint Paul City Council meeting on November 4, 2020:
The Selection Committee is made up of past winners from the Saint Paul business community, which deliberated and determined the 2020 Business Awards winners. They include:
- Tom Johnson, A. Johnson & Sons Florist
- Milissa Silva-Diaz, El Burrito Mercado
- Brianne Hamm, Securian Financial
- Ryan Huseby, Tongue and Cheek
- Jill Pavlak, Urban Growler Brewing Company
- Scott Fares, Wet Paint
Past Business Awards Winners
2019
A. Johnson & Sons Florist - Traditions Award
Waldmann Brewery & Wurstery - New Kid on the Block Award
Brake Bread - Good Neighbor Award
SIR Boxing Club - People’s Choice Award
Below is a video* of the 2019 awards winners who were recognized at a Saint Paul City Council meeting and reception on April 10, 2019:
* 2019 Minnesota Association of Government Communicators 2nd Place Winner (Nick Nelson, Media Services (Office of Technology & Communications))
2018
Afro Deli - Large Business Excellence Award
A Backyard Farm - Small Business Excellence Award
Caydence Records and Coffee - New Kid on the Block Award
Eyes All Over - Alice O’Brien Award
Heritage Tea House Boutique - People’s Choice Award
Hmong Elders Center - Reflecting St. Paul Award
Morelli's Market - Traditions Award
Wet Paint - Open for Business Award
Below is a video of the 2018 awards winners who were recognized at a Saint Paul City Council meeting and reception on April 11, 2018:
2017
Captain Ken’s Foods - Traditions Award
El Burrito Mercado - Open for Business Award
Element Boxing and Fitness - Reflecting St. Paul Award
Kamp’s Food Market - Small Business Excellence Award
Securian Financial Services - Large Business Excellence Award
Tin Cup’s Bar and Restaurant - People’s Choice Award
Tongue In Cheek - New Kid on the Block Award
Urban Growler Brewing Company - Alice O’Brien Award
Below is a video of the 2017 awards winners who were recognized at a Saint Paul City Council meeting and reception on Mar 22, 2017: