Family businesses recognized at record-setting event
May 5, 2021
Two families were honored recently by the Prairie Family Business Association for their exceptional multigenerational success.
Awards were given at the organization’s 29th annual conference, which was a hybrid in-person and online event in Sioux Falls and drew a record attendance of 435 people.
The Heritage Award, which is given to a family business founded more than 75 years ago, was presented to the Redlinger Family of Redlinger Bros. Plumbing & Heating Co. of Watertown.
On April 1, Redlinger Bros. celebrated its 75th anniversary. Jim Redlinger, second generation, and Adam Redlinger, third generation, accepted the award along with several family members.
The Vicki Clarke Family Business of the Year is given in memory of Vicki Clarke, a former advisory board member of the Prairie Family Business Association.
This year’s recipient was the Patnoe family of Liberty Superstores of Rapid City.
Don Patnoe, second generation, and his wife Jane, along with Max Patnoe, third generation, and his wife, Lacy, accepted the award. The late Vicki Clarke’s son Steve and his wife, Whitney, of County Fair Food, presented the award to the Patnoe Family.
Plans are already underway for the 30th annual conference, scheduled for April 28 and 29, 2022.
