Greater Stillwater Chamber Foundation announces 2023 Community Award Nominees

February 2023. The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation (Chamber) is pleased to announce the nominees for the 7th annual Community Awards. The Chamber Winter Gala & Community Awards Celebration will be held on March 3, 2023, at the JX Event Center from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Winners will be announced live at the event, during the evening program at 7:00 p.m.

The event’s theme is “Northern Lights”. ​Guests will enjoy a Northern Lights-themed extended social hour featuring hand-passed appetizers and a buffet by Bella Vida Catering, fundraising silent and live auctions, raffles and themed entertainment, with a short program introducing each of the 8 category nominees and announcing the winners LIVE!

“The annual Chamber Gala is an opportunity to bring our community together, recognize community leaders & celebrate!” states Chamber President Robin Anthony, “An evening to honor our community with our annual Community Awards.”

Chamber Ambassador of the Year Nominees:

• Mandee Puente, Agent M Insurance

Non-Profit of the Year Nominees:

• 21 Roots Farm
• Courage Kenny Rehab Institute
• Habitat for Humanity St Croix Valley
• Hometown Heroes Outdoors
• Limitless Cycling
• Sustainable Stillwater MN
• Yellow Ribbon Alliance Lower St. Croix Valley

Educator of the Year Nominees:

• Rob Bach, Stillwater Area Schools #834
• Eileen Douglass, Chesterton Academy of the St. Croix Valley
• Nancy Duberstein, Stillwater Area Public Schools - Oak-Land MS

Large Business of the Year Nominees:

• Lumberjack & Mad Capper
• Market & Johnson
• O'Neill Electric

Small Business of the Year Nominees:

• Agent M Insurance
• Blue Belle Hair Salon
• Bridge City Roasting
• Dance & Entertainment Studios
• Green Acres
• La Vie Est Belle
• Peachiie Marketing 
• Prohibition Barber
• River Siren Brewing Co
• Sailor Mercy Company 
• SmartStart
• Style & Structure
• Uptown Curl

Community Volunteer of the Year Nominees:

• Cassie McLemore, Harvest Fest, Summer Tuesdays
• Chad Junker, Invision Services
• Cory Buettner, Leo's Grill & Malt Shop
• Deb Simcik, Rutherford Elementary
• Jim Bradshaw, Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, Deceased
• Kim Wilson, Chamber Ambassador
• Mandee Puente, Agent M Insurance 
• Nancy Lyner, Sustainable Stillwater MN 
• Nicole Bartelt, Board member The Zephyr Theatre
• The Zephyr Theatre Board of Directors

Behind the Badge Nominees:

• Laura Eastman, Police Chief, City of Bayport
• Brandon Crosbie, Police Officer, Stillwater Police Department
• Ryan Smith, Firefighter/Engineer/Lieutenant, Stillwater Fire Dept.
• Chief Steve Hansen, Police Chief, City of Oak Park Heights
• Detective Dave Wulfing, Detective, Stillwater Police Department

NEW Service with a Smalley Hospitality Nominees:

• Acapulco Restaurant
• Lumberjack/Mad Capper
• No Neck Tony's
• The Velveteen

The Chamber Gala is open to the public, and we invite you to support the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation and celebrate our community at the prestigious Winter Gala Community Award Celebration 2023, on Friday, March 3, 5:00-10:00 p.m. 

Event Sponsors & Partners: Engel & Volkers/Jessica Siverson; First State Bank and Trust; Royal Credit Union; Xcel Energy; Bella Vida Catering; JX Event Venue and Lead Sheep Productions. Winter Gala Sponsorship Opportunities and Tickets & Tables are available NOW!