2026 Annual Chamber Dinner & Awards Gala
Please mark your calendars and plan to join us on Friday, March 13th at the NHGCC to celebrate the achievements of 2025. ​
2025 Award Nominees & Winners
Rising
Star
Award
Rising Star Award
Presented to a new Chamber Member in 2024 who has demonstrated a strong commitment to making a meaningful impact and shows great potential as a future leader in the community.
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Finalists: Crystal Ball Roller Rink, Kenny's Tavern & Rebel Diamonds
Winner: Kenny's Tavern
Volunteer of the Year
Business Category
Awarded to a Chamber Member business whose employees contributed the most volunteer hours throughout 2024, supporting events and non-profits not only at Chamber functions but also across various community initiatives. This business was consistently seen giving back and making a positive impact everywhere.
Finalists: Bank Iowa, First Citizens Bank & Hassman Construction
Winner: Hassman Construction
Volunteer
of the Year
Award
Lifetime Achievement
Award
Lifetime Achievement
For the person (business owner, employee, manager, nonprofit leader, etc.) who has shown a long-term commitment to the community, with years of dedication and impact on New Hampton
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Finalists: Doug Schueth & Jackie Perkins, Theresa Rasmussen, Vern Laures
Winners: Vern Laures
Customer Service Excellence
For the Chamber Member business that excelled at taking care of their customers in 2024, going above and beyond, making customers/clients feel welcome and valued.
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Finalists: LeisureTime Golf Cars, LS Supply, Muscari, Office World/Rapid Printers & Schueth Ace Hardware
Winner: Schueth Ace Hardware
Customer Service Excellence
Award
Volunteer
of the Year
Award
Volunteer of the Year
Individual Category
Awarded to the individual or family who dedicated the most volunteer hours in 2024, supporting events and non-profits not only at Chamber activities but also seen volunteering across the community.
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Finalists: Bobby & Emma Schwickerath Family, Chad & Mindy Humpal Family, Nick & Emily Sanford Family.
Winners: Chad & Mindy Humpal Family
Community Spark
Awarded to the individual who infused every event with energy and enthusiasm, brightening the community with their vibrant spirit.
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Finalists: Becky Babcock, Cory McDonald & Nick Noehl
Winner: Cory McDonald
Community Spark
Award
Behind the Scenes Champion
Award
Behind the Scenes Champion
Honoring a volunteer who works tirelessly in the background, ensuring events run smoothly without seeking the spotlight.
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Finalists: Bob & Kim Hackman, Brian Quirk & Patty Phillips
Winners: Bob & Kim Hackman
Local Loyalty
Awarded to the individual who consistently supports local businesses and actively participates in community events, embodying the spirit of "Shop Local" and contributing to the growth and well-being of our community.
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Finalists: Brenda Parks, Lynn Hollister & Kerstin Schwickerath
Winner: Brenda Parks​​
Local
Loyalty
Award
Chamber Sponsor of The Year
Award
Chamber Sponsor
of the Year
The Chamber Sponsor of the Year Award is selected by the New Horizons Chamber Board to recognize a business investor whose giving of time, talents and treasures often happens quietly behind the scenes. This award honors someone whose generosity, energy and unwavering enthusiasm elevate nearly every Chamber initiative.
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Winner: Kayla Smith, Pocketful of Posies