Giants Ridge was named Large Business of the Year by the Laurentian Chamber of Commerce.

Giants Ridge, a recreational resort destination in Biwabik, Minn., Was one of six winners named at the Laurentian Chamber of Commerce’s annual event, Friday, October 1, at the Miners Event and Convention Center in Virginia. , Minn.

Giants Ridge increased the number of visitors and recorded record revenues as it weathered the pandemic, said Teresa Applewick, president and CEO of the Laurentian Chamber of Commerce.

“Giants Ridge has been fortunate enough to continue to serve as a place of outdoor wellness and recreation,” said Applewick. “Or, to put it another way, a place to ‘escape’ ordinary life in the midst of all the chaos.”

The Sugar Shack, a Virginia bakery specializing in custom cakes and cookies, was named Small Business of the Year. Erin Powell, who started the business from her home, owns the sugar shack.

Powell has worked hard to stay open during the pandemic, taking orders online and offering some amazing items for sale to keep his staff employed, Applewick said.

“Erin has worked tirelessly to keep her small business going and has big plans for the future of the Sugar Shack,” Applewick said.

East Range Developmental Achievement Center (ERDAC), a private nonprofit in Eveleth that provides services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, was selected as Nonprofit of the Year.

ERDAC provides cleaning services to 17 businesses in the region, lawn mowing services and creates crafts which are sold in an ERDAC store.

Annie Bachschneider Perkio was named Young Professional of the Year.

Bachschneider Perkio is a partner of the Essentia Health-Virginia Regional Foundation

Dawn Berg was honored as Laurentian Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year. Brad Gustafson was chosen as the Spirit of the House.

The Laurentian Chamber of Commerce is headquartered in Mountain Iron. The chamber represents the quadruple towns of Eveleth, Gilbert, Mountain Iron, Virginia and surrounding communities.