(Remsen) — The Remsen Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet last evening. The chamber awarded two businesses and one individual. The “Up and Coming Business” honor was given to the Dollar General Store. The Dollar General Store employs five people, and since the fire to the community grocery store last August, Dollar General has served as the
grocery store for Remsen. The honor for “Employee of the Year” was given to Karen Bartolozzi who has worked with the Farmer’s State Bank, and now named Iowa State Bank for the past 45 years.
Bartolozzi says she is honored to be named Remsen Chamber of Commerce’s “Employee of the Year.”
The award acknowledging the “Business of the Year” was given to an electrical contracting business that started 21 years ago, and today employs 11 full-time employees. Barry’s Electric with owner Barry Galles was given the honor for “Business of the Year.” Galles talks about the decision 21 years ago to start up his own business, and the challenges that came with that decision.
Galles says his daily goal is to keep his eleven employees busy, while giving his customers satisfaction in the work. Galles says he conducts electrical work for homes, businesses, industries, and farms. He has expanded his business from Okoboji to Ida Grove. Galles talks about his challenges for today.
