To the award winners at the annual Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce banquet.

Congratulations to all who were recognized Thursday night at the annual chamber banquet.

Thorne Crest Senior Living Community was named Large Business of the Year, and Good Steward Consulting was named Small Business of the Year. Both businesses have played a large role, not only in the chamber but also in the community.

Congratulations also to the Val Kvale, who was named Volunteer of the Year, and Freeborn-Mower Cooperative who was given the Worksite Wellness Platinum Award for its efforts to lead a healthy workplace.

Leah Lawrence of the Shell Rock River Watershed District was named Ambassador of the Year, and Hy-Vee was recognized with an award for its environmental efforts, namely its composting program.

With Thursday’s announcement that Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Randy Kehr will leave on an indeterminate medical leave, we also wish him the best on his journey.

To efforts taken at several Albert Lea Area Schools for Unity Day.

Albert Lea Area Schools students of all ages celebrated Unity Day on Wednesday by raising awareness of bullying prevention and the need for giving respect to others.

Thank you to all of the teachers — as well as Albert Lea Mayor Vern Rasmussen Jr., who signed a proclamation about bullying prevention — who are shining a light on this issue.

Bullying can leave long-lasting impacts, and we hope these young people have learned the importance of being kind to others.

To businesses raising awareness of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Thank you to the local businesses, the Freeborn County Crime Victims Crisis Center, the Freeborn County Domestic Violence Partnership and the United Way of Freeborn County, who partnered to raise awareness of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Over 30 businesses have signed up to display purple lights and posters in their storefronts for the effort.

Organizers hope the lights and posters will remind residents that domestic violence happens even locally and they can stand up against it.

We hope this effort continues to grow in future years. It will take the whole community to fight this battle.