Awards of Excellence

Group holding business awards at chamber event

The Awards of Excellence is an annual celebration honoring Chamber member businesses and individuals who go above and beyond to strengthen our community. Businesses are nominated by their peers in the following categories: Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, New Business of the Year, Healthy Workplace, and Community Impact.

Winners and nominees are recognized at the Awards of Excellence Luncheon. In addition to the five business award categories, the prestigious Charlie Naylor Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual whose lasting contributions have made a meaningful
impact on our community.

May, 2027

22nd Annual Awards
of Excellence

Event Details

As we prepare for this annual celebration, your participation in the nomination process is essential. We invite you to nominate Chamber member businesses and individuals who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and community commitment over the past year.

Entrepreneur award presentation at Bemidji Chamber event

Two women holding Chamber of Commerce award plaque

Group holding community award at chamber event

Group holding award at Chamber of Commerce event

Group holding Business of the Year award plaque

About Nominations

If you know a Chamber member business that has gone above and beyond, we encourage you to submit a nomination. Please review the award categories and complete the nomination form.

Nominations are anonymous
Nominees will be contacted by the Awards Committee
Nominees will complete a brief survey
All nominees receive an Awards of Excellence nomination certificate
Nominees are recognized at the Awards Luncheon and promoted across the Chamber’s marketing platforms

Award recipients will be announced and honored at the Awards of Excellence Luncheon held each spring.

To qualify, Chamber members must be in good standing and may not win the same award in consecutive years. The Awards of Excellence are intended to be peer-to-peer recognition. If you feel your business is deserving, we encourage you to reach out to a fellow Chamber member and ask them to submit a nomination on your behalf.

To explore eligible businesses, visit our Member Directory or the Business Directory in the Bemidji Lakes Area Guide.

Award Categories

Entrepreneur of the Year

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates innovation, leadership, and determination while inspiring business owners across all ages and industries.

New Business of the Year

The New Business of the Year Award recognizes a business established within the last three years that identified a market opportunity and forged new paths for growth – while building a strong foundation for long-term success.

Business of the Year

The Business of the Year Award recognizes a Chamber member business for its resilience, leadership, and vital role in strengthening our region’s economy and reputation.

Healthy Workplace

The Healthy Workplace Award recognizes a business that prioritizes employee well-being by fostering involvement, growth, and recognition; supporting work-life balance; implementing health and safety practices; and cultivating a positive workplace culture.

Community Impact

The Community Impact Award recognizes an individual, business, or organization that has made meaningful contributions to our community through time, talents, resources, and dedication – helping strengthen our community and the greater region.

May 2026

Charlie Naylor Lifetime Achievement Award

Characteristics for the recipient of the Charlie Naylor Lifetime Achievement Award

Born in 1914, Charlie Naylor was an entrepreneur from the very beginning. He believed in getting things done and that it would take hard work and prudent judgment. He had a knack for connecting the people to the project to make it reality. He was active in just about every civic organization in town through the years including a term on the Chamber board and serving as President. Charlie was the impetus behind the Bemidji Development Corporation in the early sixties with a group of Bemidji businessmen and was the President until the end.

The Charlie Naylor lifetime achievement award is an annual award to recognize individuals in our community that live by Charlie’s values, entrepreneurial thinking and the dedication to make Bemidji the regional hub it has become. The Chamber selected this event as the platform to recognize individuals in this venue that have lives with the values and judgment that Charlie did.

Past Lifetime Achievement Award Winners

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2026

Gary Johnson

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2025

Ray & Brenda Sweeney

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2024

Wayne Dondelinger

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2023

Rich Siegert

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2022

Ted Will

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2021

Pete Aube

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2020

John Baer

Past Awards of Excellence Winners