2025 Excellence in Service Awards

Description

A thriving community is built through the dedication of individuals and businesses that prioritize meaningful connections and service. Their efforts enrich the place we call home. We invite you to join us at the Excellence in Service Awards on February 6, 2025 at Breezy Point Resort in the Lakeside Ballroom. This event is a banquet and awards ceremony held in honor of those who have gone above and beyond in their service to our community.

Nominate or Apply
The 56472 area is unique and vibrant and we want to highlight those individuals and businesses who contribute to our community. Submit a nomination for yourself or others for one, several, or all of the award categories.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 5PM, Tuesday, November 26, 2024

The nominee of the Pequot Lakes School Staff of the Year Award is someone who radiates positivity and promotes Patriot Pride. The nominee also helps make Pequot Lakes school district a successful place for students, other staff, and the community through acts of service. Nominees must be employed by the Pequot Lakes School District. Past award recipients: Nancy Ryan (2023); Joanna O’Neil (2024).

We want to honor and recognize a community member whose contributions help make living in our community a better place. This individual goes above and beyond in community pride and service. Nominees must be a full-time resident and live in the 56472 zip code. Past award recipients: Tyler Gardner (2023); Mark Jurchen (2024).

The success of any community is built on the efforts of those who are dedicated to serving through volunteerism. This award will recognize an individual who has given their time and skills unselfishly, and in turn, has a positive effect on our community. Nominees must serve in a volunteer role within the 56472 zip code and cannot have been a past winner. They do not have to reside within the 56472 zip code. Past award recipients: Jenni Gonczy (2023); RaeAnn Hecker (2024).

Employees are the heart of every business. This award will recognize an employee who exemplifies service and professionalism. The nominee is someone who is knowledgeable, a role model for other employees, and is a champion of the community. Nominees must work at a Pequot Lakes Chamber member business within the 56472 zip code. Past award recipients: Shari Monahan (2023); Dave Wonders (2024).

Strong communities have strong businesses. We want to recognize a business that has helped grow our community through job creation and facility expansions. The business that receives this award thinks about buying products and services locally, where possible. The business nominated fosters an excellent working relationship with its employees and leads by example in participating in community events and activities. Nominees must be a Pequot Lakes Chamber member and be located in the 56472 zip code. Past award recipients: Lonesome Cottage Furniture Company (2023); Pequot Lakes Dairy Queen (2024).

Register to Attend

Join us in celebrating these community members who have gone above and beyond in their service. This event will recognize five award winners for their contributions to our community. Award recipients will be announced prior to the event. The evening will be full of camaraderie, and you’ll leave feeling inspired and full of community spirit! Business Casual Attire. Music will be performed from 5 PM to 7 PM. If you plan to stay at the resort or have family and friends visiting, contact the Pequot Lakes Chamber for the code for a special one-night stay rate! Limited seating—reserve your spot today!

Become a Sponsor

Help us recognize those deserving individuals in our community by becoming a sponsor! Receive the following benefits with each Presenting and Social Hour Sponsorship opportunity listed below:

• Reserved Table and Dinner for Eight Guests ($480 Value)
• Chamber Marketing Package ($985 Value): 3 months of banner advertising on www.PequotLakes.com ($230 value), 3 months of advertising on our Explore Brainerd Lakes Digital Display ($225 value), 2 Best Swell Ads ($240 value), 2 Tourism Newsletter ads ($290 value)
• Event Recognition: Business logo and name included with event marketing and displayed at event
• Social Media Recognition: Business highlighted and thanked in social media posts

Social Hour Sponsor: (SOLD) TDS Telecom
Greet and network with attendees during the event.

School Staff of the Year Award Sponsor: $1,000 (1 available)
Present the award at the event.

Citizen of the Year Award Sponsor: $1,000 (SOLD) Essentia Health - Brainerd
Present the award at the event.

Volunteer of the Year Award Sponsor: (SOLD) Pequot Lakes Community Action
Present the award at the event.

Employee of the Year Award Sponsor: (SOLD) Pequot Lakes SuperValu
Present the award at the event.

Business of the Year Award Sponsor: $1,000 (SOLD) Dairy Queen - Pequot Lakes
Present the award at the event.

Community Champion Sponsor: $100 (Several available) 
Want to show your support for the event, but don't want to present an award? Become a Community Champion Sponsor for $100. Your business will receive your name and logo displayed on Event Page and business mentioned at the event on February 6. 
*Community Champion Sponsor does not receive the same benefits as Presenting and Social Hour Sponsorship levels.