town rural culture and Twin Cities metro influence. It's a combination we find appealing, and it makes our area an ideal place to live, work, and play.”

Last Monnday night, the events were streamed live on the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

The Village Pharmacy was awarded the Small Business of the Year after its October 2019 opening filled a void that was previously left in Ellsworth with the previous pharmacy closing.

Dave Willink, pharmacist and owner of Village Pharmacy, learned of the community’s need for a pharmacy and sprang into action just months before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. The Village Pharmacy dates their history back to 1880 in Baldwin and also has a location in Glenwood City.

CCF Bank was celebrated as the Large Business of the Year.

Led by manager Raynee Farrell, the staff at CCF Bank is known around the community for their work giving back and volunteering within the community. Small business owners and commercial clients alike were assisted last year when they needed help. From filling out paperwork for PPP loans to offering guidance when a small business owner scaled their operation, the “Bank Ladies” at CCF were there to help.

Community Leader of the Year was bestowed upon Rick Kornmann, who served for 15 years on the Ellsworth Community School District school board. After he heard there was talk of cutting back Ellsworth’s Agriculture program, he decided to run for a position on the board.

“Rick’s passion is in helping kids and young adults who are the future of the Ellsworth community,” reads Kornmann’s biography on the Chamber awards announcement. “He believes in the value of a good education and knows that providing the opportunity to learn early on can mean everything later in life.”