The Greater Minden Chamber hosted its 83rd Annual Awards Gala on February 27 at the Minden Civic Center, bringing together business and community leaders for an evening of celebration and recognition. The black-and-white-themed event featured elegant decor and guests dressed to match the occasion.
During the event, 2024 Chamber Board Chair Mandi Hart reflected on a successful year, highlighting membership growth and increased community engagement. “We now have 232 members, with over 30 joining this past year,” Hart announced. She noted substantial growth in business and tourism, with record crowds attending events such as the Duck Derby and Christmas in Minden. “Overall, it has been an amazing year of growth, networking, and an awful lot of fun,” she added.
The gala was once again emceed by Tracy Campbell and Jake Chapman, who kept the evening lively as they presented the annual awards.
Award Winners:
- Small Business of the Year: Brick Street Coffee
- “They chose to come to Minden, and they opened Brick Street Coffee … aiming to create a welcoming space for both locals and visitors,” said Chapman. “Everything Brick Street does, they do with excellence.”
- Business of the Year: Harper Chevrolet GMC
- “The Harper family’s commitment to the automotive industry spans generations,” Campbell said. “The family’s history is intertwined with community and reflects a longstanding tradition of service and commitment.”
- Business Person of the Year: Kathy Cropper of Red Blooms
- “Mrs. Kathy Cropper is a dedicated entrepreneur and community member in Minden,” Chapman stated. “Kathy’s passion for her hometown is evident in her work. Her commitment to excellence and community involvement solidifies her reputation as a respected business person in Minden.”
- Community Partner of the Year: Living Word Minden
- “Their love for the community and the surrounding areas increased, and they continued to show it through unique outreaches, community involvement, and partnership with other Christ-centered ministries. Community is one of the core values of Living Word Minden,” Campbell said.
- Spirit of Hospitality Award: Jim Huffman of Sunrise Hospitality and Huffman Management Company
- “He is committed to making the greater Minden area a place people want to visit, live, and work. We appreciate all you do and look forward to what you do in the future,” Chapman remarked. (photo not available)
- Woman of the Year: Sara McDaniel
- Selected by the Young Women’s Service Club, McDaniel was praised for her investment in both business and people. “She is an encourager, a believer, a fighter, a promoter, a hard worker, someone others turn to for guidance and direction,” said Campbell. “One of the requirements of the Woman of the Year Award is that she ‘represents Minden in the brightest light.’ I think we would all agree that that criteria will be met this year.”
- Man of the Year: Tracy Campbell
- Selected by the Lions Club, Campbell was honored for his dedication to the community. “It is my tremendous honor to celebrate a dear friend as he receives this well-deserved award,” Chapman said. “He is a Minden transplant, but I’m glad to say that treasures do come from the northern part of the parish and are huge assets to our community. If you’ve lived in Minden for any period of time, you probably know this guy’s name; I assure you, he cares enough to know yours.”
As the evening concluded, incoming 2025 Chamber Board Chair Lindsay McClaran expressed gratitude for the outgoing board members and enthusiasm for the year ahead. “This evening is about more than looking back on our achievements, it’s about looking ahead to the exciting opportunities that 2025 will bring for our businesses, our community, and the future of Minden,” she said.
The gala served as a testament to the thriving business community in Minden, celebrating growth, dedication, and the people who make the city a great place to live and work.
