Annual Meeting & Distinction Awards

The social featured samplings from member businesses Bemidji Brewing and Forestedge Winery as well as Vikre Distillery from Duluth, MN, a client of member Black Swan Cooperage
Molly & Luke Luther, the Good Life Cafe
Bemidji Brewing serving up samples
Nick Ylitalo from Vercon & Melody Jahnke of Essentia Health
Hendri & Sarah Ernst from Smokey Hills Outdoor Store
Rita Anderson and Amanda Gartner from A Better Connection
Kristin Gilmore from Knute Nelson & Jeff Davis from Marco
Ryan Brandenburg and Jeff Berndt of Main Street Meats with Justin Mitteness from Lamb Weston/RDO
Caleb & Heidi Korb from Black Swan Cooperage
Chair, Butch De La Hunt of De La Hunt Broadcasting, beginning the Annual Meeting
Chamber President Nicole Lalum introducing the mission and vision of the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
Membership Committee Chair, Kathy Jorgenson of Arvig discusses the valuable Grow MN! Appreciation and Retention Program
Tourism Marketing Chair, Joe Scharber of Sleeping Fawn Resort introduces 2015 marketing campaigns
Treasurer Kent Fritze of Northwoods Tax Professionals speaks to the financial footing of the Chamber.
Congratulations to the 2016 Distinction Award Winners Shining Star Award: Darrin Hafner (Hafner's Greenhouse) Business Excellence: Molly Luther (The Good Life Cafe) Tourism Award: Levi Durgin (Companeros) Ambassador of the Year: Debbie Haas (Northwoods Bank) Chair's Exceptional Individual: Hendri Ernst (Smokey Hills Outdoor Store)

Awards Categories:

Shining Star Award: Highlighting a member whose leadership and willingness to contribute makes them shine.

Tourism Award: Distinguishing a member for their example in distinctly keeping the tourism industry strong in our region.

Ambassador of the Year Award: Recognizing the contribution and commitment of an outstanding Ambassador.

Chair’s Exceptional Individual Award: is bestowed in appreciation for an individual’s commitment and service to the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

Business Excellence Award: Honoring one chamber member who displays the values of the Chamber in Leadership, Workforce, Innovation and Community.

Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply directly for The Business Excellence Award. Brief nominations will also be accepted – prompting Chamber staff to contact the nominee for submission of an application.
All awards, with the exception of the Business Excellence Award, are nominated by the board, Ambassadors and staff. The executive committee selects the winners with final approval by the Chair of the Board.