Shelé Toftey at the Duluth DECC after receiving the 2010 UMD Joel Labovitz Entrepreneurial Success Award for Dockside Fish Market. Shelé and her husband, Harley, have operated Dockside in downtown Grand Marais since June 1998. Left: Attending the luncheon at the DECC were Dick Powell, Grand Marais Mayor Sue Hakes, Toftey and Laurie Spry.
The winners of the UMD Joel Labovitz Entrepreneurial Success Award were announced on Wednesday, April 22, at an elegant luncheon at the DECC in Duluth. Nominees Shelé and Harley Toftey, owners of Dockside Fish Market, won the award in the “Established Entrepreneur” category. Shelé Toftey was at the luncheon to accept the award. Reached after her return to Grand Marais, Shelé said, “I still can’t believe it. The ceremony was very impressive and everyone was so nice. And the award itself is just beautiful.
“Harley will have to build a special shelf for the award!” said Shelé.
Joining Shelé Tofte at the event were friends Laurie Spry, Dick Powell, and Grand Marais Mayor Sue Hakes.
Hakes, who nominated the Tofteys, said she was very impressed by the program, which was attended by approximately 350 people. Hakes said Shelé’s acceptance was very heartfelt and touching.
Harley and Shelé have owned and operated the downtown business since June 1998.
TheUMD Center for Economic Development (CED) presents the awards annually in recognition of the entrepreneurs and business owners from throughout the Twin Ports and northeastern Minnesota. The award categories include Micro Entrepreneur, Emerging Entrepreneur, Established Entrepreneur, Mature Entrepreneur and Innovation.
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