2026 Community Awards NOMINEES
Winners will be announced LIVE at the Chamber Gala on Friday evening, March 6

Ambassador of the Year:

• Jaculin Sparling
• Jen Rogness
• Margie Schmid
   

Non-Profit of the Year:

• Bridge to Books
• Discover Stillwater
• Stepping Stone Emergency Housing
• Sustainable Stillwater MN
   

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
   

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
   

Large Business of the Year:

• Eckberg Lammers, P.C.
• First State Bank and Trust
• LORA Hotel and Event Center
• Oak Glen Golf Course
• Royal Credit Union
   

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
   

Service with a Smalley:

• Lake Elmo Inn
• ParT Barn/Alex Eder
• The Daily Grind/Tim Palm
   

Volunteer of the Year:

• Brandon Lamb
• Kadie Frey
• Mike Polehna
• Richard Anderson
• Sara Jespersen
• Shellee Mierow
• Tara Cadenhead

Purchase Gala Tickets and Tables