Four local businesses have been nominated for the prestigious Labovitz Entrepreneurial Success Award. Josh Lindstrom of Fika Coffee was nominated in the “Micro Entrepreneur” category for his coffee roasting company.
The UMD Center for Economic Development (CED) will soon be presenting the 22nd Annual Joel Labovitz Entrepreneurial Success Awards Program recognizing entrepreneurs and business owners from throughout the Twin Ports and northeastern Minnesota. Several local businesses have been identified as successful entrepreneurs.
In the “Micro Entrepreneur” category, Fika Coffee and Joshua Lindstrom were nominated.
Fika Coffee is a small company based in Grand Marais with international flavor. Its name comes from the Swedish word for “coffee break” and it starts with organically grown green coffee beans imported with care from exotic locales such as Peru, New Guinea and Columbia.
Reached by phone, Lindstrom said it feels good to have been nominated. He said he was surprised, but pleased. He added that he sees the nomination as a challenge. “It calls you to keep working and going in the same direction,” Lindstrom said.
Two North Shore businesses have been recognized in the “Mature Entrepreneur” category. Beth’s Fudge & Gifts and Birchbark Books & Gifts operated by Beth Rogers Kennedy were nominated. Beth’s Fudge & Gifts has been a landmark on Broadway in Grand Marais for nearly 20 years, offering delicious fudge and a fun assortment of gifts. Birchbark Books & Gifts was a natural addition to Beth Rogers Kennedy’s entrepreneur career. Kennedy and her family converted an old car dealership into a beautiful warehouse of books, complete with a friendly children’s reading area.
Sivertson Gallery of Grand Marais was also nominated for the “Mature Entrepreneur” award—for the second time. Owner Jan Sivertson was reached at the art gallery and asked how she feels about being nominated for the Labovitz award. “I think it’s awesome. I’m thrilled.”
Sivertson said the last time the art gallery was considered, World’s Best Donuts was also nominated in the same category. “That was really fun. It is nice that businesses up here are nominated, to show that we are ‘in the loop,’” said Sivertson.
The awards luncheon is “a very festive, lovely event” said Sivertson.
In the “Emerging Entrepreneur” category, Joy Enterprises was recognized. Joy Enterprises is otherwise known as The Garage and Threads. The businesses are housed in the 1920s-era Chevrolet dealership building in downtown Grand Marais at 16 First Avenue West.
Threads sells “upcycled” clothing—new clothing sold at a deep discount. The Garage is home to many artists and antiquers, offering a diverse shopping experience.
The UMD Center for Economic Development defines “entrepreneur” as “an individual [who] as a result of assuming financial and/or personal risk has created personal, community, and/or regional wealth.”
Cook County businesses that have received Labovitz Entrepreneur Awards are Trail Center Lodge, owned by Sarah Hamilton, receiving the award in the “gazelle/enterprise” category in 2003, and Dockside Fish Market, owned by Harley and Shelé Toftey, receiving the award in the “established entrepreneur” category in 2010.
Forty-two Minnesota businesses in five different categories accepted nominations.
The recipients will be announced at the 22nd annual luncheon held on Wednesday, April 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the DECC. Check-in and networking begins at 11:00 a.m.
Leave a Reply