MANKATO — The 2025 Greater Mankato Business Awards and Hall of Fame honored local businesses at its annual ceremony Thursday evening. The region’s most outstanding businesses, professionals and organizations were recognized.
The event, at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, brought together four business units of Greater Mankato Growth Inc. — Greater Mankato Growth, Visit Mankato, Downtown Partnership of Mankato/North Mankato and GreenSeam — to celebrate achievements in business, community leadership, tourism, downtown development and agribusiness.
“The Business Awards and Hall of Fame annual event highlights the lasting impact of business leadership in driving regional prosperity,” stated Della Schmidt, president and CEO of Greater Mankato Growth Inc. in a press release. “This year’s honorees represent the standard of excellence and civic engagement that continue to move Greater Mankato forward.”
The 2025 honorees are:
Greater Mankato Growth
2025 Business Hall of Fame Inductee: APX Construction Group
APX Construction Group was inducted into the Business Hall of Fame for its significant contributions to regional economic growth and community engagement. Founded by Ryan Evenson and Mitch Rohlfing, the company has established itself as a leader in the construction industry while maintaining a commitment to integrity, accountability and community involvement.
Business Legacy: Mankato Clinic
Mankato Clinic received the Business Legacy Award, honoring its longstanding commitment to the community since its founding in 1916. The clinic has maintained its reputation for excellence in patient care while fostering a positive workplace culture and supporting regional initiatives. Mankato Clinic was previously inducted into the Greater Mankato Growth Hall of Fame in 1999.
Development Project of the Year: 1531 Madison Avenue
The redevelopment of the 1531 Madison Avenue property, led by APX Construction, was recognized for its transformative impact on the Mankato area. The $6.8 million investment revitalized a formerly vacant building, turning it into a thriving retail and service hub. The project included upgrades to infrastructure and façade improvements, enhancing the commercial corridor and attracting new businesses.
The three finalists were: 1531 Madison Avenue redevelopment project, Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic Performance Lab and the Tourtellotte Pool redevelopment.
Talent Innovation Award: ISG
ISG was honored with the Talent Innovation Award for its efforts in talent attraction and retention. The company partnered with Mankato Area Public Schools to create an architecture, engineering and construction career exploration track, providing high school students with hands-on experiences in the industry and creating pathways for future careers.
The two finalists were: ISG and Taylor Corporation.
The Coolest Thing Made in Greater Mankato: BinWhip (Pneumat Systems, Inc.)
This award honors the contributions of businesses that bring attention to our region by producing innovative and unique physical or digital goods or services.
Chosen by popular vote at the event, the BinWhip by Pneumat Systems, Inc. was the winner. The BinWhip makes it possible to dislodge hung-up material from outside the bin, reducing the risk of grain entrapment, a leading cause of death among ag workers and bulk material handlers.This year’s finalists were: Mini Jarraff (Jarraff by Prinoth), BinWhip (Pneumat Systems, Inc.) and Winland INSIGHT (Winland Electronics, Inc.).
Visit Mankato Awards
Bring It Home: Caswell Sports Complex
Caswell Sports Complex was recognized for its role in bringing major sporting events to the Greater Mankato region, contributing to tourism and economic activity. The complex, which hosts more than 55,000 visitors annually, is known as one of the top softball venues in the nation, with an annual economic impact of $15 million.
Hospitality Award: ATOM Hospitality Group
ATOM Hospitality Group was honored for its contributions to the region’s hospitality and dining scene. The group operates several popular establishments, including Number 4, Tav on the Ave, Flask, Dino’s Pizzeria, 3rd Street Tavern and the newest venture, Kavo in downtown St. Peter. In addition, Sky One Eleven and Absolute Custom Catering have strengthened the region’s hospitality options for meetings and events.
Downtown Partnership of Mankato/North Mankato Award
Creative Placemaking Award: The Alma
The Creative Placemaking Award went to the mural on the east side of The Alma building, formerly known as Walnut Towers. The eight-story mural, with vibrant depictions of local flora, fauna and the river that runs through Mankato, has become a symbol of renewal, pride and place. It honors Alma Wagen, a Mankato native and the first female mountain guide in North America, and has become a vibrant symbol of the city’s cultural identity.
GreenSeam Awards
Seamed in Success: Christensen Farms
Christensen Farms received the Seamed in Success Award for its significant impact on southern Minnesota’s agricultural economy. With over 1,000 employees and a network of 1,500 contract partners, Christensen Farms is one of the largest pork producers in the country and a strong supporter of regional sustainability and agricultural initiatives.
Growing in the GreenSeam: Cry Baby Craig’s
Cry Baby Craig’s was recognized for its innovative contributions to the agribusiness sector. The company, known for its spicy products, sources local ingredients from regional growers, including over 60 tons of organic habaneros from the Hmong American Farming Association, and supports sustainable farming practices in the GreenSeam region.