Chamber Awards
The North 65 Chamber of Commerce presents our 'Chamber Awards' annually to recognize outstanding member businesses, individuals, and organizations that stand out among their peers and have demonstrated excellence, innovative practices, growth, longevity, and significant contributions to the community.
Chamber Awards are presented at the annual Chamber Awards Gala in October. Gala event information can be found here.
Repeat nominations are encouraged, and individuals and organizations remain eligible for future nominations.
2026 Awards Timeline
- NOMINATE by Thursday, June 18 at 11:59pm
- NOMINEES ANNOUNCED in August
- FINALISTS ANNOUNCED in September
- WINNERS ANNOUNCED at the Chamber Awards Gala on October 29, 2026
Business of the Year Awards
Nominations for 2026 are now open through Thursday, June 18 at 11:59pm.
Business of the Year Awards recognize North 65 Chamber member businesses and organizations that demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and measurable success while making a meaningful impact in our communities.
All Business of the Year nominees will be made public in August and recognized at the Chamber Awards Gala in October. If nominated, please plan to attend the Chamber Awards Gala.
All eligible nominees are asked to complete a form that provides the Awards Selection Committee with examples and details needed to score each nominee to determine which businesses are finalists and which businesses best meet the criteria for each of the following categories...
LARGE BUSINESS: Large businesses are defined as having more than 50 employees.
MID-SIZE BUSINESS: (NEW in 2026) Mid-Size businesses are defined as having between 11 and 49 employees.
SMALL BUSINESS: Small businesses are defined as having 0-10 employees.
SOLOPRENEUR: (NEW in 2026) A Solopreneur business is defined as having fewer than 2 employees.
EMERGING BUSINESS: This award recognizes new and emerging North 65 Chamber member businesses that have been in business or under current ownership less than 5 years and that have had a positive impact in the community through jobs, services, innovation or technology. These are businesses on the path to outstanding success.
Large Business of the Year
2025 | First Bank & Trust
2024 | Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
2023 | Minnco Credit Union
2022 | Cambridge Medical Center
Small Business of the Year
2025 | EFS Advisors
2024 | Cambridge Floral
2023 | Rum River BMX
2022 | City Center Market
Emerging Business of the Year
2025 | Pretty Little Signs
2024 | Sage Cleaning
2023 | Isanti Family Dental
2022 | Ambry Hill Technologies
NEW AWARDS IN 2026
Community Impact Award
Nominations for 2026 are now open through Thursday, June 18 at 11:59pm.
A new award in 2026, the annual Community Impact Award honors an organization whose sustained involvement has made a lasting difference in our community. This recipient leads with purpose—giving time, talent, and resources to initiatives that strengthen the region and improve quality of life.
Eligible nominees demonstrate a consistent record of philanthropy, community leadership, and meaningful investment in local causes. They are collaborative, forward-thinking, and passionate advocates for those they serve.
A nominee must represent a current North 65 Chamber of Commerce member in good standing.
Milestone Awards
2025 | New Pathways-25 years, Rum River BMX-25 years, Cambridge Curling Club-50 years, Turpen Realty-50 years, Parker Satrom Law, P.A.-75 years, First Bank & Trust-100 years
2024 | Arrowhead Transit-50 years
2023 | Walker Methodist-75 years, Cambridge Floral-recognized for 75+ years
2022 | Grandstay Hotel & Suites-25 years, Hermann Insurance Services-50 years, Taco John's-50 years, Coborn's-100 years, Edward Jones-100 years
Longevity in Business Award (Milestones)
This award recognizes chamber member organizations for years in business at 25 year intervals. Other milestones may be considered.
Notify the chamber office of your milestone at any time throughout the year.
Submit your milestone anniversary information for future consideration.
Chamber Champion Award
A new award in 2026, the annual Chamber Champion Award recognizes an individual(s) who goes above and beyond in their Chamber involvement, works to advance our mission, and strengthens the local business community through their leadership, collaboration, advocacy, and meaningful engagement.
A Chamber Champion is involved and dependable, consistently showing up and following through; a natural connector who builds relationships and welcomes others; proactive in stepping up to support the Chamber; a positive ambassador who promotes the Chamber with enthusiasm and professionalism; and deeply community-focused, demonstrating a genuine commitment to local business success and growth.
A nominee must represent a current North 65 Chamber of Commerce member in good standing.
Jon Swanson Legacy Award Winners
2024 | Bill Berg, Thrive People Solutions
2023 | KC Bohn, Rock Steady Boxing Cambridge
2022 | Tim Newton, Newton Financial Solutions
Legacy Award, inspired by Jon Swanson
Nominations for 2026 are now open through Thursday, June 18 at 11:59pm.
Jon Swanson was the Director of Business Development at Minnco Credit Union and a previous Golf Professional at Purple Hawk Country Club. He served on the North 65 Chamber Board from 2015-2019 and earlier, the Cambridge Area Chamber Board. He was an integral part of the Chamber’s growth as a dedicated board member and treasurer, golf committee lead, and always a true champion for our chamber. He passed away in the Spring of 2021, leaving a void in our community we seek to fill by honoring his legacy of community involvement.
The Legacy Award, inspired by Jon Swanson will be presented to individuals who have made a significant impact in the community through their direct involvement. This prestigious award honors the highest standard of dedication to growth, development and enhancement of our community for those who visit, live and work here. A nominee must be a resident of the North 65 Chamber of Commerce service area and represent a North 65 Chamber business or non-profit located and operating in this service area.
This award is not given annually, but when warranted, in the spirit of a “lifetime achievement” award. The recipient of this prestigious award is announced at the annual Chamber Awards Gala.