Lynn Gordon, French Meadow Bakery’s president and founder, was named Minnesota’s Small Business Person of the Year. Gordon founded the Minneapolis-based bakery in 1985 in her kitchen. It has grown into a wholesale business that sells a variety of bread products nationwide.

The Minnesota district office of the U.S. Small Business Administration gave the award to Gordon. The award recognizes Gordon’s business success, innovation, consistent growth, community support and commitment to providing organic breads. Her recognition marks the first time someone in the natural foods industry has received the award in Minnesota.