Bismarck-Mandan celebrated its businesses at an awards banquet at the Seven Seas last week, recognizing entrepreneurs, small business owners and long-standing community businesses.

The Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce luncheon was rife with glowing comments about North Dakota's strong economy, about the state's unique budget surplus and about the environment for doing business in Bismarck-Mandan.

Gov. John Hoeven took the podium to congratulate the community and to thank the businesses for their work and dedication to growing the state.

And three area businesses were recognized by the state Small Business Association before the city Chamber of Commerce began its presentation:Brad and Margo Scott of Scott Financial were awarded with the Financial Services Champion of the Year award, Tara Holt with North Dakota Center for Technology and Business was given the North Dakota Home-Based Business of the Year Award and Randy Horner received the North Dakota Small Business Person of the Year award.

Horner owns Magi-Touch Carpet One, which will soon go through a million-dollar renovation.

Three businesses were awarded the Mike Fink Award for Steady Growth and Profitability:Mike Mabin with Agency Mabu, Corey Castlemen Catering and Jarid Lundeen with Tires Plus.

Tim Ell with Zorells Jewelry won the New Entrepreneur Award from the chamber; Ell's excitement rippled through the crowd, as he held up the trophy and exclaimed that he'd finally done it.

"I'm just a poor kid from Mandan, North Dakota,"he said.

The Small Business Person of the year was awarded to Dan Kraft and Brian Masseth of Butcher Block Meats in Mandan.

And theUniversity of Mary received the Granite Award, which is presented to a business that has proven staying power, having been a part of community for more than 50 years.

This year marks the university's 50th anniversary. Sister Thomas Welder accepted the award, accompanied by future president, the Rev. James Shea.

Business sold

A&GAuto Mart in Bismarck has changed ownership.

Al Shauer and Gordie Berg sold the business to two local men:Shannon Johnson and Don Rutschke, who have combined 40 years experience in automotive work.

They've expanded their services to do exhaust work, front-end work and alignments, Rutschke said.

The 30-year-old business changed hands about a month ago; Shauer said he and Berg sold it because they wanted to retire.

(Reach reporter Crystal R. Reid at 250-8261 or at crystal.reid@bismarcktribune.com.)