Barry Petit Named Wayzata Chamber of Commerce's '2011 Person of the Year'

A familiar face to many Wayzata residents will be honored this week and recognized for his civic leadership and contributions to the community.

Barry Petit has been named the Wayzata Chamber of Commerce’s 2011 Person of the Year, and a luncheon in his honor is scheduled for this , at the Wayzata Country Club.

Petit will greet friends beginning at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be served at noon, followed by a program at 12:30 p.m.

Petit has been a successful architect in the Wayzata area business community for more than a quarter century. He currently owns and operates his own architecture firm, Barry Petit & Associates. 

Petit’s civic contributions to Wayzata include service on the city’s Planning Commission from 1984 to 1990. He was elected to the city council in 1990 and was subsequently elected mayor in 1996. As mayor, Petit championed projects such as a new library and City Hall development.

Currently, Petit serves on the Wayzata Crime Prevention Coalition and Community Foundation Boards.

Petit has put his talents to work for Chamber projects as well.  He was instrumental on the Bike Task Force, which brought bike racks to town and installed a bike kiosk at the Dakota Light Rail Trail head.

More recently, he designed the new lakeside platform at the Depot.

“Barry’s indelible fingerprints have graced our community for decades,” read one of the many nomination forms for this year’s honoree. “Because of his foresight, dedication, and uncompromising professional skills, Wayzata is an even better place to work, shop, live and renew.”

Another nominator wrote that Petit has a “fine sense of humor and is always helpful. His personality and visionary leadership have been demonstrated in countless ways as he has tirelessly served Wayzata.”

Cost to attend this week’s banquet is $20 for members and $25 for non members.  Reservations must be made by today, Oct. 24, and can be arranged by calling the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce at (952) 473-9595.

Editor's note: Information provided by the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce.