Greater Stillwater Chamber Foundation announces 2025 Community Award Nominees

STILLWATER, MN—The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation (Foundation) is pleased to announce the nominees for the 2025 Community Awards, set to be presented at the annual Winter Gala Community Celebration. This year's Chamber Gala, embracing an enchanting Old Hollywood theme, will take place on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM at the JX Event Center, located at 123 2nd Street N., Stillwater.
The Community Awards recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made significant contributions to the St. Croix Valley community. 

"We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible individuals and businesses that make our community shine at the 2025 Community Awards Gala. This year's Old Hollywood theme sets the stage for an unforgettable evening of recognition, glamour, and gratitude. Congratulations to all the nominees—you are the true stars of the Greater Stillwater area!" – Robin Anthony-Evenson, President, Greater Stillwater Chamber Foundation

And the nominees are……

Chamber Ambassador of the Year:

• Randy Gutzmann, Community Member

• Michele Hanson, Mayor of Bayport

• Jason Howard, President / CEO First State Bank and Trust

• Jen Rogness, Realtor, FITRE Real Estate Group

Behind the Badge:

• Nic Barratt, Lakeview EMS

• Sergeant Josh Gow, Stillwater Police Department

• Brian Mueller, Chief of Police, Stillwater Police Department

• Jon Muller, Manager, Lakeview Hospital EMS

Educator of the Year:

• Brenda Aarness, Oak Land Middle School

• Brandon Auge, Lake Elmo Elementary School

• Traci Cox, Stillwater Middle School

• Teale Giedd, Oak-Land Middle School

• Ryan Jensen, Stillwater Area High School

• Kimberly Johnson, Lake Elmo Elementary

• Bob Manning, Stillwater Area HS/Pathways Program

• Kent Musser, Stillwater Area High School

Large Business of the Year:

• Afton Alps    

• First Resource Bank    

• Lora Hotel & Event Center    

• Lift Bridge Brewery

Non Profit of the Year:

• Animal Voice Advocacy    

• Limitless Cycling    

• Stillwater Sunrise Rotary

Service with a Smalley:

• Brad Glynn, Lift Bridge Brewery

• Joe Ehlenz, Stillwater Proper

• Adam To, Howard's Bar

Small Business of the Year: 

• Alchemy Sound & Vision    

• Anthem Strength & Conditioning

• Big Red Dog Studios    

• Cheryl Larson, Realtor    

• ChiroWay    

• Hillside Kitchen    

• La Vie est Belle    

• Midbrod Electric    

• Peachiie Marketing    

• Smart Start Childcare and Learning Center    

• Sticks, The Ice Pop Shop

• Waxing the City

Volunteer of the Year:

• Tim Safe, Insurance Agent

• David Waldschmidt, VESL Volunteer Coordinator for Stillwater Elementary Schools

• OMS PTO Officers- Emily Ockwig, Kari Kull-Heng, Tina Truax, Parent Volunteers

• Kristina Fritz, Community Member

• Chad Rogness, City of Stillwater Parks Superintendent

• Claudia Belisle, Volunteer for Lakeview Hospital etc.

This year the Foundation will be presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award to a special local person who has made a huge difference in the community. This award is in its first year and the Foundation will continue this award into the future. In addition to the Awards Ceremony, the evening will feature Fund a Community activities to support the work the Foundation does on education initiatives, workforce development, leadership programs, business development, and community events which enrich the life of our communities.

Award nominees and attendees can walk the red carpet for a photo opportunity upon entering the Gala and proceed to a social hour before the program starts at 7:00 pm. This event is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to embrace the Old Hollywood theme by dressing in cocktail or themed attire. Look for a fabulous live auction, led by lively auctioneer, Miss Shannan Paul, raffles, a 50/50 game and a gift card tree. Entertainment will be provided by the Stillwater High School jazz band. 

Join us for a night of celebration, recognition, and community spirit as we honor those who make the St. Croix Valley a remarkable place to live and work. Tickets and tables are available - to reserve your spot or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please visit the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce website at greaterstillwaterchamber.com or contact the Chamber office at 651-439-4001.

Media Contact: Stacie Jensen, communications manager, Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, 333 Main Street N suite 202 Stillwater, MN 55082 Phone: 651-439-4001 Email Stacie

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