Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation

03/03/2026

03/02/2026

02/11/2026

The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation is pleased to announce the nominees for the 2026 Community Awards, which will be presented during the annual Chamber Community Award Celebration Gala.

This year’s Chamber Gala, featuring a Derby-themed evening, will take place on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the JX Event Center, 123 2nd Street N. in Stillwater.
The Community Awards honor individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made significant contributions to the St. Croix Valley community. The 2026 Gala will also mark the kickoff of the Greater Stillwater Chamber’s 135th anniversary recognition and celebration.

"We are proud to celebrate the incredible individuals and businesses that make our community shine at the 2026 Community Awards Gala. This year's Derby theme sets the stage for an unforgettable evening of recognition and gratitude.
🌟Congratulations to all the nominees—you are the true stars of the Greater Stillwater area!" – Robin Anthony-Evenson, President, Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and its Foundation.

And the nominees are……

Chamber Ambassador of the Year:
Jaculin Sparling, Cornerstone Chevrolet Stillwater
Jen Rogness, FITRE Real Estate Group
Margie Schmid, Sprout Nutrition and Wellness Coaching

Behind the Badge:
Joel Legut - Sergeant, Washington County Sheriff Department
Laura McBroom - School Resource Officer, Stillwater Middle School
Nic Barratt - Supervising Paramedic, Lakeview EMS
Stuart Glaser - Fire Chief, Stillwater Fire Department

Educator of the Year:
Amy Budion - French Teacher, Stillwater Area Schools
Amy Cook - Oak-Land Middle School
Caitlyn Willis - Executive Director of Elementary Education, Stillwater Area Schools
Don Kirkpatrick - Saint Croix Valley ALC
Gina Doe - Principal, Afton-Lakeland Elementary
May Vue - Smart Start Childcare and Learning Center
Sheila Folden - Rutherford Elementary
Yoko Cheatham - Afton-Lakeland Elementary

Large Business of the Year:
Eckberg Lammers, P.C.
First State Bank and Trust
Lora Hotel and Event Center
Oak Glen Golf Course and Banquet Facility
Royal Credit Union

Non Profit of the Year:
Bridge to Books
Discover Stillwater
Stepping Stone Emergency Housing
Sustainable Stillwater MN

Service with a Smalley/Hospitality Award:
Lake Elmo Inn
The ParT Barn/Alex Eder
The Daily Grind Espresso Cafe/Tim Palm

Small Business of the Year:
Align Optimal Wellness
Anthem Strength & Conditioning
ChiroWay of Stillwater
Darn Knit Anyway
Midbrod Electric
Peachiie Marketing
Princess Paula Consulting
Son's Deli
The Underground
Wild River Running

Volunteer of the Year:
Brandon Lamb
Kadie Frey
Mike Polehna
Richard Anderson
Sara Jespersen
Shellee Mierow
Tara Cadenhead

02/05/2026

Nominate Now for the 2026 Community Awards!
The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation are honoring the businesses, leaders, and community members who help our region thrive. Awards span eight categories, from Small Business and Non-Profit of the Year to Volunteer, Educator, and Community Heroes.

🏆 Winners will be celebrated at the Winter Gala Community Celebration 2026 on March 6, 2026.
⏰ Nominations close February 9, 2026.
👉 Nominate now: greaterstillwaterchamber.com/nominate

01/28/2026

Nominate Now for the 2026 Community Awards!

The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation is proud to recognize the businesses, leaders, and community members who help make our area thrive. Awards will be presented across eight categories, including Chamber Ambassador of the Year, Behind the Badge Hero of the Year, Educator of the Year, Large Business of the year, Non-Profit of the Year, Service with a Smalley Hospitality of the Year, Small Business of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year.

Winners will be honored at the Winter Gala Community Celebration 2026 on March 6, 2026.
⏰ Nominations close February 9, 2026.

👉 Nominate now and learn more at: greaterstillwaterchamber.com/nominate

01/27/2026

01/26/2026

Ignite your brand’s visibility and celebrate the very best of our community by sponsoring the Winter Gala Community Celebration 2026! This unforgettable evening brings together business leaders, innovators, and changemakers for a night of inspiration, recognition, and high-energy celebration.

As a sponsor, you’ll shine in front of hundreds of influential attendees, align your organization with excellence, and play a key role in honoring those who are shaping our community’s future.

Learn more here: https://greaterstillwaterchamber.com/gala-become-a-sponsor