Albert Lea’s Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen was honored as a finalist at the Minnesota Family Business Awards hosted by Twin Cities Business Magazine on Nov. 10. Mrs. Gerry’s was recognized in the women-led category as an outstanding example of how family values, dynamics and traditions can help a business succeed.

A distinguished panel of judges selected the winners from more than 60 nominated businesses. Five were named as honorees and five others were named as finalists. The categories were: Legacy, emerging, women-led, global and family-focused. Each company was found to have a positive business structure with a strong record of success, family involvement, and community service. Each brings significant value to Minnesota’s economy.

On hand to receive the award on behalf of the company were Gerry and Jerry Vogt, sons Chad and Steve, and daughter Lynn as well as employees of the company. Mrs. Gerry’s, established in 1973, grew from humble beginnings to currently having over 140 employees and distributing 120 products to 15 states from their 85,000 square foot building on Y. H. Hanson Rd.