2026 Celebration of Excellence
Now Accepting Award Nominations & Applications!
Apply by May 22, 2026
Nominate or Apply by May 22!
Add your name to a list of local legends and apply for one of our annual awards! We are now accepting applications and nominations for our Lakes Proud Small Business of the Year Award, Business Excellence Award, and Business Legacy Award.
Winners will be presented with their awards at our Celebration of Excellence, sponsored by CLA, on November 19, 2026 at Cragun’s Resort.
Submission Deadline: 5PM, May 22, 2026
All applicants will be reviewed by a committee in June.
Apply NOW for the 2026 Business Excellence Award! We seek to recognize a larger business (20+ employees) for its entrepreneurial spirit and outstanding accomplishments. Sponsored by Hy-Tec Construction, this award honors a Chamber Member business that has displayed our values in the following ways: Leadership, Innovation, Employee Investment, and Community Service.
Award Criteria
Employs 20 or more individuals.
Must be a Chamber Member business.
Creates positive impact on our community.
Past Recipients
- 2012: Widseth
- 2013: Crosswoods Golf Course
- 2014: Grand View Lodge
- 2015: Ultra Paws
- 2016: Just for Kix
- 2017: CTC
- 2018: Cuyuna Regional Medical Center
- 2019: 3 Cheers Hospitality
- 2021: Lexington Manufacturing
- 2022: LINDAR Corporation
- 2023: Hubbard Radio & 2060 Digital
- 2024: Waste Partners
- 2025: Advantage Home Pros
We are now accepting applications and nominations for our Lakes Proud Small Business of the Year Award! Sponsored by Holiday Station Stores, this prestigious award will recognize a small business (20 employees or less) that personifies the spirit of entrepreneurship, pride, and success that forms the backbone of our local economy. The recipient will possess the following attributes: Leadership, Innovation, Employee Investment and Community Service.
Award Criteria
Employs up to 20 individuals.
Must be a Chamber Member business.
Personifies the spirit of entrepreneurship.
Past Recipients
- 2018: Jack Pine Brewery
- 2019: Brainerd General Rental
- 2021: Close Converse
- 2022: Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort
- 2023: Pampered Pets Boarding and Daycare
- 2024: Weizenegger-Engel Insurance
- 2025: Brenny Family Funeral Chapel
Apply NOW for our Business Legacy Award! Sponsored by National Bank of Commerce, this award is our highest honor and recognizes an individual who has achieved exceptional business success in his or her lifetime. We seek to recognize inspiring leadership that transcends business and leaves a legacy of community and economic vitality for generations to come. In order to be considered, the nominee must be a living Brainerd Lakes Area resident whose lifetime business and community contributions span a minimum of 30 years.
Award Criteria
Career spans a minimum of 30 years.
Must be a current or past Chamber Member.
Has achieved exceptional business success.
Past Recipients
- 2016: Stewart C. Mills Jr.
- 2017: Arnie Johnson
- 2018: Paul and Lynn Hunt
- 2019: Dutch and Irma Cragun
- 2021: Ron and Al Lindner
- 2022: Bob Spizzo
- 2023: Reggie Clow
- 2024: Quisberg Family
- 2025: Kevin Thesing
Save the Date!
Celebration of Excellence
Thursday, November 19
Cragun's Resort
2026 Event Theme: Fire & Ice
2025 Celebration of Excellence Recap Video
2025 Theme: Back to the Future
The Celebration of Excellence is the Chamber’s biggest night of the year—and our guests go all in and embrace the event theme! From creative costumes to team-themed outfits and even custom shirts, the energy and imagination attendees bring each year makes the night unforgettable. Relive the best moments from 2025, featuring a “Back to the Future” theme.
