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The Chisago Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 17th Annual Celebration of the Lakes and each year, as part of the festivities, the Chamber selects a Community Ambassador. The Community Ambassador is an individual or family devoted to this community, makes a significant contribution to the quality of life within this community and who helps to preserve our heritage.

The Chamber is pleased to recognize Frankie's Bait & Marine, and Chisago Hardware/Just Ask Rental as the 2008 Community Ambassadors. In 1968, Frank and Shirley (Colberg) Dusenka took over the business that was started by the Colberg family 10 years earlier. It began as a hardware store that also provided bait and their family-owned business has evolved into several separate businesses, each serving the community. In 2008, they observe 40 years of service to the Chisago Lakes Area.

These businesses are a landmark in our community, and local residents, as well as professional anglers, sports figures and even astronauts appreciate that they take care of their customers "by knowing what they need, keeping it in stock and providing outstanding service." In 2007 Frankie's was named the #1 Ranger Dealer in the world!

Frank Dusenka Sr. is still very much involved with the overall business, but he and Shirley head south to Texas for the winter. Frankie and Brad, and their families, run Frankie's Bait & Marine, while Tracy and her husband Marc Clay, and their family, operate Chisago Hardware/Just Ask Rental.

The families have contributed to the community in countless ways throughout the years - as members of the Chamber, Lions Club, Rotary Club and other organizations, as volunteer firefighters, and as sponsors and supporters of numerous community events and initiatives.

Frankie's will be represented at the Minnesota Boat Show January 23-27, but will also have a presence at the Celebration of the Lakes. They provide tremendous support by clearing the snow on North Center Lake for a roadway and for the Radar Run, assisting with the Ice Fishing Contest, and the hardware store will be supplying facilities for the concession tent.

These businesses have a tradition of serving the people who want to get out and enjoy the area lakes and all that this community has to offer! They are a world class operation, right here in our local community. The Chamber is proud and honored to be represented by the Frankie's Live Bait & Marine and Chisago Hardware/Just Ask Rental families in the Karl Oskar and Ki Chi Saga Days parades, and at other events in the area in 2008. Please extend your congratulations the next time you see them, and thank them for all

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