SAINT PAUL RECOGNIZES WINNERS OF FIFTH ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS
Saint Paul has concluded and announces recipients for the 5th annual Business Awards honoring four outstanding Saint Paul Businesses

SAINT PAUL, MN – Saint Paul City Council announced the winners of the fifth annual Saint Paul Business Awards and recognized four winners and celebrated the efforts of all nominees and other businesses who chose to operate in Saint Paul at the City Council’s 3:30 PM meeting on January 12th. The awards recognize 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.  Businesses are selected for an award in one of four categories based on nominations from the community.

The importance of Saint Paul's business community is evident in the more than 50 businesses that were nominated for a 2021 award. Saint Paul businesses play a critical role in the City's economic vitality and are to be acknowledged for their resiliency and commitment to remaining a business partner throughout the hardship that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused for so many businesses.

The 2021 award winners are:

  • GINKGO Coffeehouse - People’s Choice Award: honoring a business that is recognized for its excellence by Saint Paul residents.
  • Golden Harvest Foods - Traditions Award: honoring a business that has been active in Saint Paul for at least twenty years.
  • Hoa Mei Market & Deli - Good Neighbor Award: honoring a business that shows a dedication to improving the community.
  • Lip Esteem LLC - New Kid on the Block Award: honoring a business that has opened in Saint Paul within the last five years.

“I am honored to present the 2021 Business Awards to two of our very own Ward 4 businesses, Ginkgo Coffeehouse and Lip Esteem LLC. These women-owned local businesses both give back to the community and create welcoming spaces for neighbors every day. Thank you for your continued service and presence in the city we love,” said Councilmember Mitra Jalali.

“As Councilmember of Ward 6, and someone who supports and shops at our locally owned Eastside stores, I'm excited and proud that our two Eastside businesses have been chosen as recipients of the 2021 Saint Paul Business Awards.  Our communities and small businesses have been heavily impacted by the pandemic, especially in local BIPOC areas, but our entrepreneurs and community members didn't give up and continue to uphold and support each other," said Councilmember Nelsie Yang.   

The Selection Committee that was made up of past winners reviewed the applications and selected winners from the Saint Paul business community. The selection committee included:

  • Nate Houge, Brake Bread
  • Milissa Silva-Diaz, El Burrito Mercado
  • Jamey Flannery, Flannery Construction
  • Abdiwali Ali, Karibu Grocery & Deli
  • Brianne Hamm, Securian Financial
  • Jill Pavlak, Urban Growler Brewing Company

Read about past award winners and learn more about the categories and criteria at www.stpaul.gov/business-awards.

Award winners were recognized on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at City Hall, 15 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN, Council Chambers – Room 300.  The event can be viewed on City of Saint Paul – Calendar at stpaul.legistar.com or Saint Paul Channel 18. 

Last Edited: January 13, 2022