Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Greater Mankato Business Awards and Hall of Fame Honors Local Leaders and Innovators
Mankato Celebrates Business Excellence at 2025 Awards Ceremony
MANKATO — The Greater Mankato Business Awards and Hall of Fame shone a spotlight on local excellence Thursday evening, honoring outstanding businesses and leaders at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. The annual ceremony, a collaborative effort by four business units of Greater Mankato Growth Inc., celebrated achievements across various sectors, including community leadership, tourism, and agribusiness.
Della Schmidt, president and CEO of Greater Mankato Growth Inc., emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “The Business Awards and Hall of Fame annual event highlights the lasting impact of business leadership in driving regional prosperity. This year’s honorees represent the standard of excellence and civic engagement that continue to move Greater Mankato forward.”
2025 Honorees
Among the evening’s highlights was the induction of APX Construction Group into the Business Hall of Fame. Founded by Ryan Evenson and Mitch Rohlfing, the company was recognized for its substantial contributions to regional economic growth and community engagement, exemplifying integrity and accountability in the construction industry.
The Mankato Clinic received the prestigious Business Legacy Award, honoring its unwavering commitment to the community since 1916. Renowned for excellence in patient care, the clinic has fostered a positive workplace culture and supported numerous regional initiatives.
The Development Project of the Year award went to the 1531 Madison Avenue redevelopment project, also led by APX Construction. This transformative $6.8 million investment revitalized a previously vacant building into a bustling retail and service hub, enhancing the commercial corridor and attracting new businesses.
Innovative Contributions Recognized
The Talent Innovation Award was presented to ISG for its pioneering efforts in talent attraction and retention. Partnering with Mankato Area Public Schools, ISG created a career exploration track in architecture, engineering, and construction, providing high school students with invaluable hands-on experiences.
In a popular vote, the Coolest Thing Made in Greater Mankato award was claimed by Pneumat Systems, Inc. for their innovative BinWhip product, designed to enhance safety in grain handling by reducing the risk of entrapment.
Tourism and Hospitality Highlights
The Caswell Sports Complex was recognized with the Bring It Home Award for its significant role in attracting major sporting events, contributing an impressive $15 million annually to the local economy. Meanwhile, the ATOM Hospitality Group received the Hospitality Award for its vibrant dining establishments, enhancing the region’s culinary landscape.
Cultural and Agricultural Contributions
The Creative Placemaking Award was awarded to the mural on The Alma building, a vibrant tribute to local culture and history. Additionally, Christensen Farms received the Seamed in Success Award for its substantial impact on the agricultural economy, while Cry Baby Craig’s was recognized for its innovative contributions to agribusiness, sourcing local ingredients and promoting sustainable practices.
As the evening concluded, the celebration of local businesses underscored the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines Greater Mankato, setting a promising tone for future growth and community engagement.
