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2026 Excellence in Service Awards

Thursday, January 29, 2026 (5:30 PM - 9:00 PM) (CST)

Description

Registration is temporarily paused and will reopen on Tuesday, December 16.

We are giving our award recipients first opportunity to invite their family and friends. This event is expected to sell out.

Please return on Tuesday, December 16 to complete your registration.

2026 Excellence in Service Awards

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 will be celebrating this year's recipients at the Excellence in Service Awards on January 29, 2026 at the Pequot Lakes American Legion Post #49 from 5:30PM-9PM.

Register to Attend

Join us for an unforgettable evening of camaraderie, celebration, and community pride as we honor the outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations who make Pequot Lakes such a special place. The 2026 Excellence in Service Awards will shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond to enrich our community, and we’d love for you to be part of it!

Seating is limited, so be sure to RSVP today to reserve your spot! Don’t miss this chance to celebrate what makes Pequot Lakes exceptional.

Buy a whole table and sit with your colleagues and friends ($500)

Reserved Table and Dinner for 6 Guests:
Event Recognition: Business logo and name included with social hour slideshow and displayed at event.
Social Media Recognition: Business highlighted and thanked in social media posts.

Individual tickets still available ($60): Individual seat at a table for 6 with dinner

Meal choices are:

Pecan Chicken, Baked Potato, Vegetable Medley
Roasted Tenderloin of Beef, Baked Potato, Vegetable Medley
Fettuccine Alfredo

All meals served with Salad, Dinner Rolls and Dessert

Dress in business to cocktail attire:
Guests are welcome to choose attire that feels comfortable yet celebratory. Men may wear polo shirts with slacks, dress shirts with jackets. Women may wear dresses, skirts, blouses, slacks or dressy jumpsuits.

Registration Deadline: Monday, January 12, 2026

Congratulations to Our Award Recipients!

Congratulations to our All-School Staff of the Year, Nicki Triebenbach!
(Sponsored by Old National Bank)

Nicki serves as the Attendance and Activities Administrative Assistant at Pequot Lakes High School a vital role that keeps students on track, supports their success, and helps shape a positive school culture. Her dedication, care, and daily impact make her an invaluable member of the school.

We are thrilled to announce Leon Zender as the 2026 Citizen of the Year!
(Sponsored by Community Action of Pequot Lakes)
His decades of kindness, volunteerism, and quiet leadership have made a lasting impact on our community. Congratulations, Leon!

We are proud to honor Lakes Area Food Shelf as our 2026 Nonprofit of the Year! 
(Sponsored by Essentia Health Brainerd Lakes)
For over four decades, this organization has been dedicated to serving our communities and helping families throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area and beyond when they need it most.
With a new Baxter location on the way, there’s no better moment to celebrate the tremendous work they do for our community.

Congratulations to Andy Schwartz, our 2026 Employee of the Year!
(Sponsored by Pequot Manufacturing)

Andy has spent the last three years working around the clock as the Water/Wastewater Operations Manager for the City of Pequot Lakes, and has been helping keep our community 'flowing' smoothly for more than a decade. Join us in congratulating Andy and thanking him for his outstanding dedication and service to our community!

Congratulations to our 2026 Business of the Year, Salon Couture!
(Sponsored by Jackie Karlson, Associate Broker - Positive Realty)
Celebrating 30 years of business in Pequot Lakes, Cindy has supported our community, championed local events, and mentored countless individuals. She is a shining example of what it means to be a true Pequot Lakes business leader.