Community Excellence Recognized: 2026 Chamber Community Award Winners Announced

Stillwater, MN - The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation (Chamber Foundation) is thrilled to share the recipients of the Community Awards that were announced at the highly anticipated Chamber Gala, on Friday evening, March 6th, 2026. Chamber and Community members were off to the races with this year’s Gala “Derby” theme bringing out the style with fabulous hats, dresses, suits and even a jockey!  

A wonderful evening to celebrate our communities and leaders! The Chamber Gala serves as a platform to shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements and contributions of the outstanding individuals and organizations in our communities, inspiring others to continue striving for excellence and giving back to our vibrant community. The Gala is supported by the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation established in 2021.

Chamber members and guests mingled and supported the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation through raffles, and a "Run for the Roses" heads or tails raffle! A delicious dinner from Bella Vida Catering warmed guests up for the program that included a presentation about the impact of the Chamber Foundation and an exciting Live Auction! 

"We are immensely proud to recognize and celebrate the achievements of these exceptional individuals and organizations," said Robin Anthony-Evenson, Chamber President. "Their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment embody the spirit of community excellence, and we are grateful for their profound impact."

The highlight of the evening~a line up of Community Awards!  FIND complete list of all nominees HERE 

And the Winners are......

• Ambassador of the Year: Margie Schmid
• Non Profit of the Year: Sustainable Stillwater MN
• Educator of the Year: Caitlyn Willis, Stillwater Area Schools
• Small Business of the Year: Darn Knit Anyway
• Large Business of the Year: First State Bank and Trust
• Behind the Badge: Stuart Glaser, Fire Chief, Stillwater Fire Dept
• Volunteer of the Year: Brandon Lamb, Candyland
• Service with a Smalley Hospitality Award: The Daily Grind/Tim Palm

Special Awards also given out:

• Lifetime Achievement Award to Dan Starry, Washington County Sheriff, retiring after 40 years of service
• Legacy Award to Robin Anthony-Evenson, Chamber President, 10 years of service

These awards highlight the impact those years have made, the lives touched, the trust built, and the legacy left behind.

For more information contact the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, (651) 439-4001 
Photo credit:
From left to right in photo: Front row: Robin Anthony-Evenson, Chamber President; Stuart Glaser, Fire Chief; Brandon Lamb; Aimee Pelletier, Darn Knit Anyway; Tim Palm, The Daily Grind; Caitlyn Willis, Stillwater Area Schools; Margie Schmid; Jason Howard, First State Bank and Trust; Karin Housley, MN State Senator; Ted Kozlowski, Mayor of Stillwater

Back row: Dr. Mike Funk, Stillwater Area Schools Superintendent; Charles Cadenhead, Mayor of Lake Elmo; Brandi Lunneborg, President of Lakeview Hospital and Chamber Board; Andi Arnold, Sustainable Stillwater MN; Dan Starry, Washington County Sheriff and Chuck Dougherty, Water Street Inn and Chamber Board Chair.
Photography by Chad Mohler Photography