FAIRMONT — The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce looked back at 2018 at its annual meeting Friday at the Holiday Inn.

Ned Koppen, Chamber president, said the scope of the organization’s work encompasses 4,200 people working at 259 member businesses. More than 100 of those people are involved in various Chamber committees and boards.

Business of the Year awards for 2018 were selected in four categories: large business with 15 or more employees, small business with under 15 employees, new business open less than three years and non-profit.

Valero Renewables of Welcome took the large business award. Other nominees were Devenish Nutrition, McDonald’s of Fairmont and Profinium Inc.

Culligan Water Conditioning won in the small business category. Other nominees were Dan’s Appliance, Minuteman Press and Sweet Financial Services.

New business, or the Rising Star award, went to Graffiti Corner. Other nominees were Fairmont Butcher Block, Sunshine Suzy LLC and Supreme Lending.

In the non-profit category, the Martin County Historical Society took top honors. Other nominees were Fairmont Rotary, MRCI and Vista Prairie at Goldfinch Estates.

Koppen outlined Chamber initiatives for 2019 and expressed his optimism for the new year.

“One promise I can make is we’re going to work really hard for all of you,” he said.

Guest speaker Ursula Mentjes, a native of Le Center, brought her experience as a sales coach, author and recipient of two Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards.

“My mission is to help people shift beliefs about themselves so they can do what they want to do,” said Mentjes, challenging the audience to think about what they want to change in their life or business.

“At a minimum, think about doubling your business this year. Why not?” she said. “If you don’t believe something’s possible, you’re not even going to take a step.”