April 19, 2024

Three family businesses have been recognized with Prairie Family Businesses Association annual awards.

They were presented this week at the organization’s 32nd annual Family Business Conference in Sioux Falls.

The Lloyd All-In Award: The VanLiere family of Industrial Machine & Engineering, Brookings 

The Lloyd All-In Award was created in honor of Craig and Pat Lloyd’s Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to the couple in 2023. The award is given to a family who goes “all-in” on their family business and PFBA, just as the Lloyd family has done. Recipients of the All-In Award are willing to learn through PFBA programs, eager to connect with other family businesses and dedicated to showing up and investing in both their family and their business.

The award was presented to the VanLiere Family of Industrial Machine & Engineering in Brookings.

“Since joining Prairie Family Business Association three years ago, the VanLiere family has gone ‘all-in,'” the organization said in a statement.

“The family participated in their first family business conference in 2021 and has not looked back as they have proceeded to further their commitment to their family business with each passing year.”

Brian and Andrea VanLiere founded the business in 1996 and are transitioning ownership and leadership to their sons Tyler and Zach. At the end of 2023, the VanLieres hosted a signing ceremony as their second generation signed and formalized ownership documents.

The Heritage Award: The Sinclair Family of Montgomery’s

The Heritage Award is presented to a business that is 75 years or older, reflecting PFBA’s mission of helping family businesses thrive through generations.

Montgomery’s was founded in 1888, a year before South Dakota would become a state. The business is owned and led by the fourth generation, Clark and Connie Sinclair. Eric and Neala Sinclair are the fifth-generation leaders. The furniture store celebrated 135 years in business in 2023 and has locations in Sioux Falls, Madison and Watertown.

The Vicki Clarke Award: The Edney Family of Edney Distributing, Lakeville, Minnesota

The late Vicki Clarke was part of the County Fair Foods family business headquartered in Mitchell. Clarke made a lasting impression on many, especially those within her own family business. The Vicki Clarke Award recognizes a family business that also makes a lasting impression on others through valuable contributions to the community, investing in the well-being of employees, pride in the business and proven success and growth of the business.

This year’s Vicki Clarke Award was presented to Edney Distributing, a fourth-generation family business headquartered in Lakeville, Minnesota. Edney Distributing is a wholesale distributor of specialized equipment and innovative attachments from manufacturers around the world. Edney’s markets include agriculture, lawn and turf, forestry and light industrial.

Edney Distributing was founded in Huron in 1951. In 2023, fourth-generation member of the Edney family Jennifer Edney transitioned into the CEO role, and third-generation member Doug Edney transitioned to chair of the board.

More than 300 people from 17 states and two countries attended the 32nd annual Family Business Conference in person, and 200 people attended virtually. The 33rd annual conference is scheduled for April 30 and May 1, 2025, in Sioux Falls.