Five women recognized for contributions to Borderland at annual Chamber awards
Five women were recognized Wednesday for their commitment to the community and to their success in business during the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce annual dinner and business awards.
And while several presenters and award recipients mentioned the strong female presence this year, their individual accomplishments stood on their own merits, as the audience was told of their start-from-nothing business roots, their tireless efforts on behalf of those less fortunate and their commitment not only to their projects, but to the community.
Awards were presented by International Falls Mayor Shawn Mason, Koochiching County Commissioner Wade Pavleck, and Koochiching Economic Development Authority Director Paul Nevanen.
“If we had five more individuals like this in our community we could go to the moon and back,” Nevanen told the packed banquet room.
Lori Lyman was recognized as Citizen of the Year, based on her contributions to the community and the lives of others during the past year. Lyman is involved with the local United Way advisory board and organizes many fundraisers during the year.
“Those of you who know Lori know she’s a force of nature. You either get on board or get out of the way. If she’s involved, it’s going to get done. I’ve personally been involved in this and you just wear a helmet and get out of the way,” Nevanen said.
Said Lyman, “This award is a result of God’s transforming powers. And I say that because my involvement in charitable activities in the community started out not because I was concerned about helping charity, but it began when a new boss came to town and wanted a United Way drive at Boise and no one else would step forward.” The local branch of the charity raised over $100,000 the first year, and the process of learning more about those it helped encouraged her to continue with the charity. “God took a selfish person, me, with not very noble motives and He opened my eyes,” she said.
To date, more than $1.2 million have been donated to more than 20 community projects from United Way.
Darcie Schulz was awarded Lifetime Achievement for her dancing program, “Dancin’ with Darcie.” She started the dance classes 13 years ago, and has grown her number of students several times over.
“Darcie’s classes add to the quality of life in our community,” reads a nomination by Patti Ballan, citing the skills taught to the dancers and the enjoyment of the community felt during her shows.
“I never imagined or really gave it much thought the impact that one individual could have on so many students,” Schulz said. “But as I reflect back on my years as a student taking dance from my teachers, there are many important life lessons I learned as a student, dance assistant and instructor along the way. I can only hope my students learn not only the art of dance, but poise, self confidence, commitment, hard work, the time it takes to build lasting friendships, the importance of giving back to their community and most of all making memories that will last a lifetime.”
Curves’ owner Becky Olson received the Small Business of the Year award for the success she has had running the women-only fitness center.
“When you go into Curves, when you go into Becky’s business, it’s not about Becky, it’s really about the community,” said Mason. “When you walk in she has all of the information about the community — what’s happening, where you can donate ... She is an advocate. She is a cheerleader for every woman that passes through those doors. And I know that personally.”
Olson described the process of going from an employee of the business, to several years later buying the International Mall business. I am truly blessed to be doing what I’m passionate about,” Olson said.
The Large Business of the Year award was given to The Spot on 53 owner Krista Jonson. Jonson reopened the long-standing restaurant just more than one year ago.
“As an icon on the corner for a backdrop, Krista used her dreams and ambition to face difficult economic times head on and purchase the business,” Mason read, quoting from a nomination letter by Kallie and Brian Briggs.
“We appreciate that Krista has brought back to life a hospitality business that has been a tradition for tourists and locals in our area for over 60 years ... International Falls simply would not be the same without it,” Pavleck added.
“Along the way I came across a lot of hesitant people telling me, ‘Good luck with that. You’re female and you’re pretty young,’” Jonson said. “Questioning my tactics only pushed me harder. It still hasn’t sunk in that my dream is being accomplished, but this award is making it clearer that dreams do come true.”
Sherie Wright, owner of Wright Interiors, was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year.
“I love owning my own business. I love helping people,” Wright said. “For me, it’s not just what I do, it’s who I am.”
Wright started her interior design business from the ground up in 2008. Since, she has expanded her business in both products and services.
“Entrepreneurs are truly the fabric of our community, they’re our foundation,” Mason said, placing Wright among other entrepreneurs who have won the same award and those who have helped build the community.
The award recipients and presenters all gave nod to the importance of the business community to this area. And with so many of the community’s leaders in attendance, it was a recognition also of the business community as a whole.
“As long as we continue to compliment one another rather than compete or degrade, our community will only get stronger,” Jonson said.
