Becky Bakes and GSM Named Business of the Year | News, Sports, Jobs

Chamber members were asked to vote for their business of the year during the annual Chamber of Commerce meeting held Thursday night at the Royal Oak Center. Only Chamber members present at the meeting were able to vote.

In addition to the award winners, this year’s nominees included J&R Schugel, Gutes Essen, and Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes.

Chamber members were asked to nominate businesses for this recognition based on three criteria: Chamber involvement, community involvement and economic impact.

Becky Bakes is a mother-daughter business run by Becky Waibel and Emily Atnip. The two operate a bakery at 213 S. Minnesota Street.

John Gag (center) accepted the Large Business of the Year award on behalf of Gag Sheet Metal. The award was presented by Chamber President Daniel Marti (left) and Chamber CEO Sarah Warmka (right).

After the award was announced, Waibel was initially speechless. She said she might cry because she didn’t expect to win.

Atnip said it was an honor to be nominated for this award. She said it’s great to be a part of New Ulm’s business community and praised all the new businesses opening in the downtown area.

Waibel said Becky Bakes opened just before the coronavirus pandemic began, after which many stores started closing, but now, four years later, business is back.

“I grew up in New Ulm and I’m very proud of the city.” Waibel said.

Waibel and Atnip also wanted to thank their loyal customers.

“We are lucky because we work in a happy place.” Atnip said. “Thank you for making us happy.”

John Gag accepted the Large Business of the Year award on behalf of GSM.

GSM was founded in 1904 by George Gag, John Gag’s great-grandfather. John Gag said when he took over the business, he didn’t expect to win Business of the Year.

“To me, we still feel like a small company.” Gag said.

Gag estimated that 10% of GSM’s business is done in New Ulm, with some employees traveling out of state. Gag said this is a great way to bring business into the community. He said it would not be possible for him to operate GSM without the support of his colleagues in the business, especially his employees who are dedicated to ensuring excellent customer service.