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.
Chamber Member Ticket Information:
Individual tickets: $45
Sponsorship table for six people: $300
Dinner will include prime rib, potato, vegetable,
dinner roll and dessert.
Voting Information:
Cast your vote for the below finalists HERE.
Voting closes Friday, February 20.
2026 Award Nominees & Winners
Rising
Star
Award
Rising Star Award
Presented to a new Chamber Member in 2025 who has demonstrated a strong commitment to making a meaningful impact and shows great potential as a future leader in the community.
Finalists: Cottage at Woodland Farm, Full River Outpost, Larsen Lawn & Landscaping
2026 Winner: Larsen Lawn & Landscaping
Volunteer of the Year
Business Category
Awarded to a Chamber Member business whose employees contributed the most volunteer hours throughout 2025, 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 & Larsen Lawn & Landscaping
2026 Winner: Larsen Lawn & Landscaping
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
Finalists: Bryan Hugeback, Dungey's Furniture & Flooring, Klunder's Kafe, & Roger & Jean Kolbet
2026 Winner: Roger & Jean Kolbet
Customer Service Excellence
For the Chamber Member business that excelled at taking care of their customers in 2025, going above and beyond, making customers/clients feel welcome and valued.
Finalists: Dental Associates, Klunder's Kafe & Rebel Diamonds
2026 Winner: Klunder's Kafe
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 2025, supporting events and non-profits not only at Chamber activities but also seen volunteering across the community.
Finalists: Brian Quirk, Colin Larsen & Patty Phillips
2026 Winner: Patty Phillips
Community Spark
Awarded to the individual who infused every event with energy and enthusiasm, brightening the community with their vibrant spirit.
Finalists: Bobby Schwickerath, Jackie Perkins, Kyle Hennessy, Mindy Humpal & Nick Noehl
2026 Winner: Nick Noehl
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.
Finalists: Megan Baltes, Patty Phillips & Stan Trask
2026 Winner: Megan Baltes
Local Loyalty
Awarded to an individual who consistently supports local businesses, actively participates in community events and embodies the spirit of “Shop Local,” contributing to the growth and well-being of our community.
Finalists: Kerstin Schwickerath, Leslie Noehl, Mitch Laures & Ryan Rausch
2026 Winner: Kerstin Schwickerath
Local
Loyalty
Award
Chamber Sponsor
of the Year
Chamber Sponsor of The Year
Award
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.
2026 Winner: Stacey Frahm, Rebel Diamonds