2023 Chamber Choice Awards
We love recognizing people for their hard work. That’s why we created the Chamber Choice Awards Banquet. Each year, the Perham Area Chamber of Commerce holds a banquet to recognize businesses and individuals who have been exceptional in and for our community. (Click here to view the video from our 2021 event.)
The Chamber will be accepting nominations for the 2023 award categories from the public the month of January in 2023. Recipients have been selected for awards by the committee, and the public is invited to a banquet honoring these award winners.
Cost is $30, and includes a sit-down dinner. Pre-registration is encouraged to help make the evening run smoothly. If you do not wish to attend the dinner, the doors will be opened at approximately 7:15pm for free admission after the meal. Follow the link above in gold to reserve your seat.
Award categories are described as follows:
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The Leadership Award – This award is given to someone who has done an especially good job in leading the community on a project or an important issue. These nominees tend to be involved in organizations that help people or help in community projects, and they are highly generous with their leadership skills.
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The Hall of Fame Award – This award is given to someone who deserves to be recognized for his or her work for the community over time. This person would be considered an integral part of the community and highly involved in making Perham a better community. These nominees might have been in business or a service sector in the community, working or retired, living or deceased or even former residents.
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The Volunteer Award – Just as the award states, this person gives of her or his time to volunteer to help others. Let’s recognize our volunteers.
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The Humanitarian Award – This award is given to an individual or organization who is devoted to improving the physical and/or emotional welfare of those in our community.
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The Best in Business Award – This award is given to a business or organization that continues to strive to remain competitive and innovative.
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The Small Town Spirit Award – This award will go to a business or organization that consistently exhibits outstanding customer service, support, and community spirit.
Past Recipients
Volunteer Award
2023 – Dave Howey
2022 – Carol Rethemeier and Kevin Kupferschmidt
2021 – Nick Theroux
2020 – Shirley Davidson
2019 – Fran Johnson
2018 – Dale Wanderi, History Museum of East Otter Tail County
2017 – Harriet Mattfeld, Mark J Schmidt
2016 – Richville Clothing Mission – Winnie Huwe & Mary Hein
2015 – Tyler Krumwiede, Lenny Johnson, Merle Thompson, Joyce Koelln, and Fern Boedigheimer
2014 – Cindy Olson
2013 – Lynette Grismer, Catherine Drahmann
Best in Business Award
2023 – J & L Nutritional Consulting / Backyard Boarding and Playcare
2022 – Joe Foltz Construction/Interiors by Winkels/Rivers Edge Cabinetry
2021 – Steve’s Sanitation
2020 – The Cactus
2019 – Gene’s Sport Shop
2018 – Gathering Grounds
2017 – Leighton Broadcasting
2016 – Goose Gang
2015 – Brew Ales & Eats
Small Town Spirit Award
2023 – MN Tru North
2022 – Disgruntled Brewing
2021 – Central Market
2020 – Richter’s Menswear
2019 – Bay Window Quilt Shop
2018 – GrandStay Hotel & Suites
2017 – Perham Meat & Locker Plant
2016 – Murdock’s Ace Hardware
2015 – United Community Bank
Humanitarian Award
2023 – Courtney Rooney
2022 – Kim Nelson
2021 – Mary Nordbeck
2020 – Perham 180
2019 – Steve and Lisa Sheets
2018 – Ruby’s Pantry
2017 – The Bridge Pantry
Chamber Champion Award
2015 -Dean’s Country Market
Leadership Award
2023 – Brad Offutt
2022 – Dr. Mark Paulson, Dr. Brett Glawe and Dr. Kailey Witt
2021 – The Starfish Project
2020 – Darrin Swanson
2019 – Cori Brown, Mitch Anderson
2018 – Staci Malikowski
2017 – Mark Lenius, Chuck Johnson
2016 – Tuffy’s Pet Food Leadership Team
2015 – Tammy Sturdevant
2014 – Doug and Sue Huebsch
2013 – Jeff Morris
2012 – Dave Cresap & Perham Health Directors
2011 – Nick Theroux
2010 – Dennis Happel, Rev. Phil Holtan
2009 – Echo Dockter, Jenny Caughey
2008 – Honor Flight Project Fundraisers
2007 – Fred Sailer
2006 – Charlie Fleck
2005 – Angel of Hope Committee
2004 – Chuck Hofius
2003 – Gary Ebeling
2002 – Jim Hammers, Jean Johnson
2001 – Carl Analora
2000 – Dennis Drummond
1999 – Lina Belar
1998 – Marlin Zitzow
1997 – Les Gunderson
1996 – Alan Krueger, Dennis Happel
1995 – Jane Aschnewitz
1994 – Doug Eckes
1993 – Jack Cavanagh
1992 – Bill Bauck
1991 – Terry Karkela
1990 – Fred Huebsch,Sherman Mandt
1989 – Tom Meinhover
1988 – Ken Nelson
1987 – Allen Arvig
1986 – Tuffy Nelson
1985 – Don Swenson
Hall of Fame
2023 – Charlie Cavanagh, Bob Cavanagh
2022 – Randy Mattfeld
2021 – Dennis Happel, Mike Hamann
2020 – David Arvig, Gary Ebeling
2019 – Tony Stoll
2018 – John Turgeon, Mike Parta
2017 – Dan Schroeder, Dean Simpson
2016 – Mike Peterson
2016 – Jerry Kunza
2015 – Dr. Rand Stolee and Chuck Johnson
2014 – Lisa Peterson
2013 – Jill Shipman
2012 – Pastor Tom Mitchell
2011 – Ken Nelson
2010 – Allen Arvig
2009 – Russ Bunker, Gina Cavanagh
2008 – Bob Louiseau, Jerome Boedigheimer
2007 – Kevin Kosiak
2006 – Bob Perry, Mary Thomas
2005 – Sherman Mandt
2004 – Dale Wright, Net Kupferschmid, Bonnie & Del Stohs
2003 – Sherryl Holzer, Bill Parks, Kathryn Perszyk, Larry Kempenich, Arnie
Rethemeier
2002 – Bob Kinlund, Arne Thompson
2001 – Kathy Hemmelgarn, Lawrence & Mary Ann Guck, Ron & Dee Anderson
2000 – George Kupferschmid, Leona Rothiger, Paul Miller, Delores Wasche, Mary
Hemmelgarn
1999 – Bernard Palubicki, John Knight, Palmer Pederson, Clarence Boedigheimer
1998 – Denzil Cooper, Eleanor Arvig, Don Olson
1997 – M.J. Daly, Ed Ebeling, Catherine Drahmann
1996 – Ernie Kollar, Charlie Olson, Al Schoeneberger
1995 – Al Bretz, Ed Bauck, The Franciscan Sisters
1994 – Mac Tobkin, Royale B. Arvig, George Bauck, Art Carow, Verona Larson
