2026 Celebration of Excellence

RSVP for Our Biggest Night of the Year

Join more than 600 business and community leaders for the 2026 Celebration of Excellence, presented by CLA!

To succeed in business, you need two things—fire in your belly to make things happen, and ice in your veins when the heat is on. Fire & Ice will collide in a spectacular night of sizzling surprises, cool company and unforgettable celebration. And once again, excellence will take center stage as we toast our annual honorees, the Lakes Area business community, and the Leadership Experience Class of 2026!

This red-hot event WILL SELL OUT, so don’t be left out in the cold. Reserve your table or tickets today!

Business Legacy Award

Congratulations to Brian and Deb Thuringer, recipients of the 2026 Business Legacy Award! Sponsored National Bank of Commerce, the Business Legacy Award is the Chamber's highest honor, recognizing individuals whose leadership, vision, and lifelong contributions have made a lasting impact on the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Read the full story to learn more about Brian and Deb's remarkable journey, the legacy they have built, and why they were selected to receive the 2026 Business Legacy Award.

Lakes Proud Small Business of the Year Award

Congratulations to Party Time Rental, recipient of the 2026 Lakes Proud Small Business of the Year Award! Sponsored by Circle K (Crosslake and Mills Avenue), this prestigious award recognizes a small business that exemplifies entrepreneurship, pride, and success in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Read the full story about their journey and learn why they were selected as this year's Lakes Proud Small Business of the Year.

Business Excellence Award

Congratulations to Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union, recipient of the 2026 Business Excellence Award! Sponsored by Hy-Tec Construction, this prestigious award recognizes a business that exemplifies leadership, innovation, employee investment, and community service.

Read the full story about their 70-year legacy and learn why they were selected for the 2026 Business Excellence Award.

Table & Seating Options

Join us for an evening of 'Fire & Ice' by reserving your table or seat TODAY!

Premier Table: $1,750 (4 available)

Includes a reserved table located in the three rows / middle section closest to the stage

Plated dinner for 8

1 pre-set bottle of wine or bucket of beer (your choice) at your table

VIP Party passes for 8

Signature Table: $1,250 SOLD OUT!

Includes a reserved table located in the 4th and 5th rows / middle section / sides

Plated dinner for 8

Add-ons available for purchase

Classic Table: $1,000 SOLD OUT!

Includes a reserved table

Plated dinner for 8

Add-ons available for purchase

NEW Mezzanine Table: $500 (2 available)

Take your Celebration of Excellence experience to new heights with our NEW Mezzanine Seating! Perched above the action, these reserved tables that seat 4 offer an amazing overhead view of the stage and program—giving you a unique vantage point to take in every fiery moment and cool celebration of our community’s best.

Please note: The Mezzanine is accessible by stairs only, so guests should be comfortable climbing stairs to reach this elevated seating area.

Come for the celebration. Stay for the view. Experience Fire & Ice from above!

Includes a reserved table

Plated dinner for 4

Add-ons available for purchase

Individual Seat: $100

These are anything but nosebleed seats! Enjoy great stage views close to the cocktails and social scene!

Includes reserved seating and dinner for 1 individual

Reduced fee for Leadership Class of 2026 ($55; use promo code provided to you or contact Sue Galligan)

Pick Your Vibe: FIRE or ICE?

This year's Celebration of Excellence is turning up the heat... and bringing the chill! The room will be split between two stunning themes—Fire and Ice—with half the tables glowing in fiery elegance and the other half sparkling with icy sophistication.

Here's the fun part: Coordinate your outfit with your table theme!

Will you embrace the warmth of Fire with bold, dramatic style? Or shine with the cool elegance of Ice?

Which table theme would you prefer?

We'll do our best to honor your preference based on availability.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Elevate your guest experience and marketing exposure by taking advantage of a sponsorship!

VIP Party Sponsor: $2,500 (1 available)

Elevate your guest experience and marketing exposure by securing our VIP Party Sponsorship! Greet guests at the VIP Party, congratulate the award winners, and gain access to exclusive networking!

Your business logo / link will be included with event marketing

Receive a reserved Premier Table ($1,750 value!)

Plated dinners for 8

VIP Party passes for 8

Entertainment & Decor Sponsor: $2,000 SOLD!

Be the hit of the party by sponsoring live entertainment, fabulous tablescapes and fun attractions!

Your business logo / link will be included with event marketing

Receive a reserved Second Level Table

Plated dinners for 8

VIP Party passes for 8

Event Schedule

4:00-5:00 PM: VIP Party Sponsored by TBD

Location: New Lakes Area Bar & Grill (use the main entrance, go down the stairs, turn right, bar is located on the left / follow the signs at Cragun's Resort

Invitation only for Presenting Sponsor, Award Sponsors, Top Level Table Sponsors, Award recipients and their guests, and individuals who have purchased VIP Party Passes

Attendees will receive 1 premium drink ticket

Live music by Andy Spoff, AJ Spoff Music

Fire & Ice themed photo opp area

4:30-6:00 PM: Social Hour

Location: Tamarack Centre, Cragun's Resort

Professional Group Photo Op (located in the back of the room)

4 Bars / 1 FIRE themed bar serving specialty themed drink (located left of the main stage)

Appetizers

'Fire & Ice' Live Band Sponsored by TBD

Craig Engelhart- Vocals

Karla Jensen- Vocals

Evan Kuhn- Vocals

Dan Kuhn- Guitar

Monte Mraz- Bass

Mike Angland- Drums

Joe Mcgown- Keyboard & Vocals

Michael Sommerness- Saxophone

Chris Fogderud- Trumpet

Sarah Fogderud- Trombone

6:00-8:30 PM: Program, Dinner and Awards Presentation

National Anthem sung by Evan Kuhn

Welcome by Jim Haakonson, Principal with CLA, Presenting Sponsor

Board Chair Remarks, Colton Maher, Woods to Water Real Estate

Blue Ox Business Academy Class of 2026 Leadership Experience Graduation

Invocation by TBD

Plated Dinner

Salad

Entree

Dessert

Fire & Ice- Matt Kilian, Brainerd Lakes Chamber President

Lakes Proud Small Business of the Year Award Presentation, sponsored by Holiday Station Stores

Business Excellence Award Presentation, sponsored by Hy-Tec Construction

Business Legacy Award Presentation, sponsored by National Bank of Commerce

Announcement of the 2027 Event Theme and Farewell

Thank you for attending!

**Parking shuttle service provided by Cragun's Resort and Ole's Shuttle Service

Event Add-Ons

Skip the Line with Pre-set Bottles of Wine at Your Table: $55

Kendall Jackson Chardonnay

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio

Joel Gott Cabernet

Skip the Line with Pre-set Buckets of Seltzer at Your Table: $60 / 8 Seltzers

White Claw Lime

Nutrl Cranberry

Nutrl Orange

Skip the Line with Pre-set Buckets of Beer at Your Table: $60 / 8 Beers

Jack Pine Brewery Jacktober

Bemidji Brewing German Blonde

Coors Light

VIP Party Pass: $25

1- VIP Party Pass to the pre-party and 1 premium drink ticket

Meet & Greet with the award winners and sponsors

Held in the Lakes Area Bar & Grill from 4:00-5:00PM (near the indoor pool; use the main entrance and turn right, follow the signs at Cragun's Resort)

What to Wear

The Celebration of Excellence is the Chamber's biggest night of the year - and our guests never disappoint! From creative costumes to team-themed outfits and even custom shirts, the energy and imagination you bring makes the night unforgettable.

Embrace this year's theme with fiery reds and oranges or cool blues and icy tones. While themed attire is encouraged, it's completely optional. Business attire is always welcome.

This Year's Fun Twist: Guests will be notified whether your table is Fire or Ice. Coordinate with your tablemates and dress to match your table's theme!

On the Guest List

TABLES

371 Furniture & Mattress

Advantage Home Pros

Anderson Brothers Construction

Arnold S. Johnson Enterprises

Aspire Insurance Services

Bell Bank

BLAEDC

Brainerd Dispatch

Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation

Brainerd Lakes Chamber (x3)

Brenny Family Funeral Chapel (x2)

Bridges of Hope

BSKK Law

Central Lakes College Foundation

Circle K (Crosslake & Mills Avenue)

CLA

Close Converse

Clow (x2)

Cragun's Resort (x2)

Crow Wing Power

Crow Wing Power Credit Union

CTC

Deerwood Bank

Essentia Health

Frandsen Bank and Trust

Grand View Lodge

Holden Electric

Home Instead

Hubbard Radio & 2060 Digital

Hudson Magic

Hy-Tec Construction

Initiative Foundation

Just For Kix

Lexington MFG

LINDAR Corporation

Madden's on Gull Lake

Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union (x5)

Mills Automotive Group

National Bank of Commerce

North Country Plumbing & Heating

Navigate North Group

Old National Bank

Party Time Rental (x3)

Pequot Manufacturing (x2)

Pine Haven Shoreline & Wetland Restoration

Quarterdeck Resort

Revolv Manufacturing

RooterMan

SCR Northern (x2)

Servpro

Sourcewell

Super One Foods

W Gohman Construction

WAVE Young Professionals Network

Widseth

Winegar Dental

INDIVIDUALS

Anne Slettom, The Body Workshop

Lori Rubin, Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity

Eric Wilcox, McLaughlin RV & Marine

Alex Jackson, Navigate North Group

Matthew Jackson, Navigate North Group

Mike Myogeto, Mike's Electric

Dave Galligan, Custom Boat Lift Vinyl

Shawna Knutson, Cheeky Roots Farm

Kelli Johnson, Crow Wing Energized

Kim & Roger Suhr, Trinity Lutheran Church / Trinity Children's Center

Josh Heintzeman, Minnesota House of Representatives

Keri Heintzeman, Minnesota Senate

Nate & Kathy Oland, Weizenegger Engel Insurance

Jake & Katie Huser, Weizenegger Engel Insurance

Jayme & Jennessa Steele, Weizenegger Engel Insurance

Jackie Churack, Home Instead

Kurt & Katrina Moody, First Western Bank & Trust

Monica Schrader, Home Instead

Sam Keehr, Home Instead

Ariel Ellingson, Ariel Home Services

McKennan Johnson, Ariel Home Services

Garyck Ellingson, Ariel Home Services

Talon Yost, Ariel Home Services

Jessica Richau, Curated Closet

Kevin Thesing, Lakes Printing

Barb Nelson, Lakes Printing

Sheila Avenson, The Office Shop

Sharon Carr, Confidence Learning Center

Travis Grossman, Confidence Learning Center

Sheila & Ben Wing, Wing Wellness Medical Spa

Pam Goerges, Crosslake Drug

Jody Stewart, Stewart Sound System

Carrie Karki, WhiteBox Marketing

Tami Kinzel, WhiteBox Marketing

Blake Peterson, Crow Wing County

Levi Nagel, National Bank of Commerce

Randi Lasher, Lasher Inspections

John Davis, Retired

Tim Swanson, Initiative Foundation

Ashley Seitzer, Vivie Home Health & Hospice

Bobbie Crocker, Vivie Home Health & Hospice

Talia Brodhead, MN Prevention & Recover Alliance

Haley Christoffersen, Nature Link Resort

Lori Bender, Penmac Staffing Services

Dave & Tina Timm, Muzzle Blast Media

Sue Lehman, Kurilla Real Estate

Renee Kardell & Guest, Tuck of All Trades

Lori & Lucas Scharenbroich, West Shore Marketing and Spaces

Dave Wonders, The Pulse

Ruth Ann & Tony Veith, Edina Realty

Julie & Tim Gowen, JAG Interior Solutions

Seanay & Ben Berghuis, Talent Development Co.

Leadership Experience Class of 2026

We’re thrilled to welcome the newest cohort into our premier leadership development program. Over the past ten months, these rising stars embarked on an 11-day journey designed to sharpen their skills, strengthen their leadership character, and unlock their full potential.

Since its launch in 1999, the Brainerd Lakes Chamber’s Leadership Experience has proudly graduated 649 professionals, many of whom have gone on to become some of the most influential leaders in our region. We can’t wait to see how the Class of 2026 will lead the way forward!

Join us in celebrating this year's Leadership Experience Class of 2026: Adam Manger, SCR - Northern; Alex Jackson, Navigate North Group; Ali Beste, Brainerd Lakes Chamber; Alison Augustinack, Essentia Health; Ariel Ellingson, Ariel Home Services; Ashley Gabrick, Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union; Blake Peterson, Crow Wing County; Brad Borg, LINDAR Corporation; Brian Olson, Crow Wing County; Brock Scheving, CLA; Conor Swanson, Pequot Manufacturing; Dan Guderjohn, Clow; Dave Wonders, The Pulse 104.3 FM; Heather Stanley, Crisis Line & Referral Service; Isaac Bitter, Navigate North Group; Jackie Churack, Home Instead; Jacob Hanson, J. Hanson Real Estate Group; JD Berns, Hubbard Radio & 2060 Digital; Jesse Gordon, Central Lakes College; Kale Boomer, Hy-Tec Construction; Kelli Johnson, Crow Wing County; Kelsy Gloege, Waste Partners; Keri Kuklok, Nor-Son Construction; Kim Suhr, Trinity Lutheran Church / Trinity Children's Center; Levi Nagel, National Bank of Commerce; Lisa Olson; Maddie Herald, Deerwood Bank; Matt Giza, Essentia Health; Matt Woitalla, Anderson Brothers Construction; Michael Klinghagen, Bridges of Hope - Common Goods; Rena Bolt, Essentia Health; Ryan Visser, Lexington Manufacturing; Sam Olson, Nor-Son Construction; Sharon Carr, Confidence Learning Center; Sheila Boldt, Pine Haven Shoreline & Wetland Restoration; Shelly Netland, CTC; Talia Brodhead, MN Prevention & Recover Alliance.

About the Awards

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber will present three awards at its fourteenth-annual Celebration of Excellence on November 19 - the traditional Business Excellence Award, which goes to an outstanding local business, the Business Legacy Award, which celebrates individual lifetime achievements as well as community and economic contributions and the Lakes Proud Small Business of the Year Award which will recognize a small business that personifies the spirit of entrepreneurship in the Brainerd Lakes Area!

For all three awards, a nomination/application process was announced in April 2026. After the deadline passed at the end of May, a volunteer selection committee independently scored and discussed each applicant before choosing the recipients.