BLOOMING PRAIRIE, MN – Minimizer, a provider of poly truck fenders and accessories, has won the Blue Ribbon Small Business Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The Blue Ribbon Small Business Awards are given out annually to recognize companies’ success,  innovation and contributions to economic growth and free enterprise.

“While our economy still struggles to reach its full potential, small businesses like our Blue Ribbon Award winners have continued to act as examples of the resilience, ingenuity, and opportunity at work in the free enterprise system,” U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue said. “Times can be tough, but these businesses have proven that they can be too. By taking risks, watching out for their employees, and giving back to their communities, they’ve shown that success is achievable.”

For Minimizer, that success started some thirty years ago when Lorraine Kruckeberg backed her vehicle over a Rubbermaid trash can, inspiring her husband Dick Kruckeberg to invent heavy-duty poly truck fenders. And so it came to be that in 1984, Minimizer was founded on the idea of making nearly indestructible fenders.

Today, the business is led by Dick Kruckeberg’s son, Craig Kruckeberg.

Minimizer was selected from a pool of applicants from communities across the U.S. for demonstrating exceptional business practices in areas including strategic planning, employee development, community involvement, and customer service.

The Chamber will announce seven regional finalists from among the 2015 Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winners on March 18 and one regional finalist will receive the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam’s Club, and a $10,000 cash prize.