BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//ChamberMaster//Event Calendar 2.0//EN METHOD:PUBLISH X-PUBLISHED-TTL:P1H REFRESH-INTERVAL:P1H CALSCALE:GREGORIAN BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT RRULE:FREQ=YEARLY;BYMONTH=3;BYDAY=2SU DTSTART:20070101T000000 TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:Central Daylight Time END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD RRULE:FREQ=YEARLY;BYMONTH=11;BYDAY=1SU DTSTART:20070101T000000 TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:Central Standard Time END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261119T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261119T210000 X-MICROSOFT-CDO-ALLDAYEVENT:FALSE SUMMARY:2026 Celebration of Excellence DESCRIPTION:SAVE THE DATE for the CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCEThursday\, November 19\, 2026Cragun's ResortGet ready for a night where Fire meets Ice and everyone is invited! Join us at Cragun's Resort on Thursday\, November 19\, as we turn up the heat and embrace the chill for an unforgettable Celebration of Excellence. This dazzling evening will honor our business award winners\, the Leadership Experience Class of 2026\, retiring board members\, and our incredible community of 1\,100+ Chamber members. Proudly presented by CLA\, this signature event brings together 600+ innovators\, visionaries\, and trailblazers for a night that's equal parts sizzling and sparkling.Whether you arrive glowing with fiery flair or wrapped in icy elegance\, prepare for an evening filled with energy\, recognition\, and connection. From warm welcomes to cool celebrations\, this is the place to be for the biggest and most electrifying night of the year.Don't miss your chance to be part of the magic secure your table or seats before they melt away! \n-NOW ACCEPTING AWARD NOMINATIONS-Sponsored by Holiday Stations StoresApply for the Lakes Proud Small Business of the Year Award by completing this form\, which should take about 30 minutes. The business must be a member of the Brainerd Lakes\, Crosslake and Pequot Lakes Chambers and have less than 20 employees. Find a list of Members in our online Business Directory. APPLY HERE \nSponsored by Hy-Tec ConstructionApply for the Business Excellence Award by completing this form\, which should take about 30 minutes. The business needs to be a member of the Brainerd Lakes\, Crosslake and Pequot Lakes Chambers and have more than 20 employees. Find a list of Members in our online Business Directory. APPLY HERE \nSponsored by National Bank of CommerceApply for the Business Legacy Award by completing this form\, which should take about 30 minutes. In order to be considered\, a nominee must be a living Brainerd Lakes Area resident whose lifetime business and community contributions span a minimum of 30 years. They must be a current or past member of the Brainerd Lakes\, Crosslake and Pequot Lakes Chambers. APPLY HERE All applicants will be reviewed by a committee in June. Winners will be presented their awards at our Celebration of Excellence\, Presented by CLA\, on November 19\, 2026.\n\nAPPLICATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY\, MAY 22\, 2026\n\nSPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIESElevate your guest experience and marketing exposure by taking advantage of a sponsorship!VIP Party Sponsor- $2\,000 (1 available)Be the hit of the VIP Party by greeting everyone\, congratulating the award winners\, and rubbing shoulders with the Presenting and Award sponsors!Your business logo / link will be included with event marketingReceive a reserved Second Tier TablePlated dinners for 8VIP Party passes for 8Entertainment & Decor Sponsor- $2\,000 (1 available)Be the hit of the party by sponsoring live entertainment\, fabulous tablescapes and fun attractions!Your business logo / link will be included with event marketingReceive a reserved Second Tier TablePlated dinners for 8VIP Party passes for 8 SPONSORSHIP REGISTRATION \n\n\n\nJoin us for an evening of 'Fire & Ice' by reserving your table or seat TODAY! \n\nTop Tier Table: $TBDIncludes a reserved table located in the two rows closest to the stagePlated dinner for 81 pre-set bottle of wine or bucket of beer (your choice) at your tableVIP Party passes for 8Second Tier Table: $TBDIncludes a reserved table located in the 3rd and 4th rows / middle sectionPlated dinner for 8Add-ons available for purchaseThird Tier Table: $TBDIncludes a reserved tablePlated dinner for 8Add-ons available for purchaseIndividual Seat: $TBDThese are anything but nosebleed seats! Enjoy great stage views close to the cocktails and social scene!Includes reserved seating and dinner for 1 individualReduced fee for Leadership Class of 2026 ($TBD\; use promo code or contact Sue Galligan)\nEvent Schedule:4:00-5:00 PM: VIP Party Sponsored by TBDLocation: Canoe and Paddle Pub (left of the main entrance of the main lodge) at Cragun's ResortInvitation only for Presenting Sponsor\, Award Sponsors\, Top Level Table Sponsors\, Award recipients and their guests\, and individuals who have purchased VIP Party PassesAttendees will receive 1 premium drink ticketLive music by TBD4:30-6:00 PM: Social HourLocation: Tamarack Centre\, Cragun's ResortProfessional Group Photo Op (located in the back of the room)Cash BarAppetizers'Fire & Ice' Live Band Sponsored by TBD6:00-8:30 PM: Program\, Dinner and Awards PresentationNational Anthem sung by TBDWelcome by Jim Haakonson\, Principal with CLA\, Presenting SponsorBoard Chair Remarks\, Colton Maher\, Woods to Water Real EstateBlue Ox Business Academy Class of 2026 Leadership Experience GraduationInvocation by TBDPlated DinnerSaladEntreeDessertFire & Ice- Matt Kilian\, Brainerd Lakes Chamber PresidentLakes Proud Small Business of the Year Award Presentation\, sponsored by Holiday Station StoresBusiness Excellence Award Presentation\, sponsored by Hy-Tec ConstructionBusiness Legacy Award Presentation\, sponsored by TBDAnnouncement of the 2027 Event Theme and FarewellThank you for attending**Parking shuttle service provided by Cragun's Resort and Ole's Shuttle Service \n\nSkip the Line with Pre-set Bottles of Wine at Your Table: $55Kendall Jackson ChardonnaySanta Margherita Pinot GrigioJoel Gott CabernetSkip the Line with Pre-set Buckets of Seltzer at Your Table: $60 / 8 SeltzersWhite Claw LimeNutrl CranberryNutrl OrangeSkip the Line with Pre-set Buckets of Beer at Your Table: $60 / 8 BeersJack Pine Brewery JacktoberBemidji Brewing German BlondeCoors LightVIP Party Pass: $251- VIP Party Pass to the pre-party and 1 premium drink ticketSelfie photo areaMeet & Greet with the award winners and sponsorsHeld in the Canoe and Paddle Pub near the entrance of the main lodge from 4:00-5:00PM\n\n\n\nThe 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. This year's theme is Fire & Ice! So.. what's the dress code? \nPlease remember that guests are NOT required to dress up to the theme for this event. Business attire is also acceptable.\n\nTABLESCLAHoliday Station StoresHy-Tec ConstructionINDIVIDUALS\n\nWe'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.\n\nThe 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. X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:


SAVE THE DATE \;

for the \;

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

Thursday\, November 19\, 2026

Cragun'\;s Resort

Get ready for a night where Fire meets Ice \;and everyone is invited! \;

Join us at Cragun&rsquo\;s Resort on Thursday\, November 19\, as we turn up the heat and embrace the chill for an unforgettable Celebration of Excellence. This dazzling evening will honor our business award winners\, the Leadership Experience Class of 2026\, retiring board members\, and our incredible community of 1\,100+ Chamber members. Proudly presented by CLA\, this signature event brings together 600+ innovators\, visionaries\, and trailblazers for a night that&rsquo\;s equal parts sizzling and sparkling.

Whether you arrive glowing with fiery flair or wrapped in icy elegance\, prepare for an evening filled with energy\, recognition\, and connection. From warm welcomes to cool celebrations\, this is the place to be for the biggest and most electrifying night of the year.

Don&rsquo\;t miss your chance to be part of the magic&mdash\;secure your table or seats before they melt away! \;


-NOW ACCEPTING AWARD NOMINATIONS-

Sponsored by Holiday Stations Stores

Apply for the Lakes Proud Small Business of the Year Award by completing this form\, which should \;take about 30 minutes. The business must be a member of the Brainerd Lakes\, Crosslake and Pequot Lakes Chambers and have less than 20 employees. Find a list of Members in our online \;Business Directory.

<\;APPLY HERE>\;


Sponsored by Hy-Tec Construction

Apply for the Business Excellence Award by completing this form\, which should \;take about 30 minutes. The business needs to be a member of the Brainerd Lakes\, Crosslake and Pequot Lakes Chambers and have more than 20 employees. Find a list of Members in our online \;Business Directory.

<\;APPLY HERE>\;


Sponsored by National Bank of Commerce

Apply for the Business Legacy Award by completing this form\, which should \;take about 30 minutes. In order to be considered\, a nominee must be a living Brainerd Lakes Area resident whose lifetime business and community contributions span a minimum of 30 years. They must be a current or past member of the Brainerd Lakes\, Crosslake and Pequot Lakes Chambers.

<\;APPLY HERE>\;

All applicants will be reviewed by a committee in June. Winners will be presented their awards at our Celebration of Excellence\, Presented by CLA\, on November 19\, 2026.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY\, MAY 22\, 2026



SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

VIP Party Sponsor- $2\,000 \;(1 available)

Be the hit of the VIP Party by greeting everyone\, congratulating the award winners\, and rubbing shoulders with the Presenting and Award sponsors!

Entertainment &\; Decor Sponsor- $2\,000 \;(1 available)

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

<\;SPONSORSHIP REGISTRATION>\;





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

Top Tier Table: \;$TBD

Second Tier Table: \;$TBD

Third Tier Table: \;$TBD

Individual Seat: \;$TBD


Event Schedule:

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

4:30-6:00 PM: Social Hour

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

Thank you for attending

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

 \;



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

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

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

VIP Party Pass: $25



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. This year'\;s theme is Fire &\; Ice! So.. what'\;s the dress code? \;


Please remember that guests are NOT required to dress up to the theme for this event. Business attire is also acceptable.



TABLES

INDIVIDUALS


We&rsquo\;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&rsquo\;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&rsquo\;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.



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.

LOCATION:11000 Cragun's Drive Brainerd MN 56401 UID:e.2467.1435972 SEQUENCE:3 DTSTAMP:20260411T080236Z URL:https://business.pequotlakes.com/events/Details/2026-celebration-of-excellence-1699907?sourceTypeId=Hub END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR