Sue and Dan Schmitt Named 2013 Business Persons of the Year

The Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce has selected two local business owners as its 2013 Business Persons of the Year: Lakeville residents Sue and Dan Schmitt, owners of Schmitty & Sons Bus Company.

According to a news release from the Chamber:

"The Schmitt’s are described by friends and fellow residents as compassionate and dedicated to the community of Lakeville, especially the school age children. The Schmitt’s participate in Toys for Tots/KSTP Stuff the Bus; 360s Communities; Meals on Wheels; various church, civic and community activities and have been known to donate buses when the community is in need."

Dan Schmitt served on Lakeville's Environmental Affairs Committee and Sue Schmitt is on the board of directors for The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sand Stone, Minn.

Schmitty & Sons Bus Company has been a part of Lakeville since 1969, but the foundations of the company started even before then, when Wilfrid Schmitt bought a bus in 1952, according to the release. It is a family-oriented business that operates out of four garages and has 400 employees.

The company serves the Lakeville Area Public School District and has expanded to include a transit division, auto and maintenance store, and a sales division.

Awards to the company include recognition for outstanding service and safety record, perfect bus inspections, as well as recognition from such organizations as the National School Transportation Association and the Minnesota School Bus Operators Association.

The Lakeville Area Chamber will recognize the 2013 Business Persons of the Year at its annual membership meeting and holiday dinner on Monday, Jan. 27 at Crystal Lake Golf Club. The event will begin with a social hour at 6 p.m. and continue with a dinner and program from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Tickets are $50. Reserve tickets by calling the calling the Lakeville Chamber office at 952-469-2020. The event is open to members and nonmembers of the Chamber.