Decorah Area Chamber Announces 2025 Business Award Recipients

Every dollar helps Decorah News chase down the truth on Water Street, not just headlines. Give today. DECORAH — The Decorah Area Chamber has announced its 2025 award recipients. Nine businesses and eight individuals will be recognized this year as part of the Chamber's annual event. Awards include Business of the Year, Excellence in Customer Service, Legacy Award, Emerging New Business, five Young Professional Awards, Chamber Ambassador of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year. In addition, the Chamber will present six "Spark Joy Mini Awards," a special category that highlights community improvements and actions that contribute to hometown happiness. All award recipients will be recognized at the in-person Business Awards Event on Tuesday, September 30. Chamber staff Jessica Rilling and Amanda Streeper will lead the presentation from 6-7 p.m. "The Decorah Area Chamber has always believed in the importance of recognizing hardworking business owners," said Rilling, the chamber's executive director. "This event celebrates excellence, increases business visibility at a regional level, and reminds us to lead with appreciation. I'm proud to host this gathering where we can come together to honor the resilient and talented people who start, maintain and grow businesses here in the Decorah area." The 2025 award winners are: Business of the Year: Helms Funeral Home Legacy Award: Deco Products Emerging New Business Award: Jubilee Excellence in Design & Construction Award: Sunflower Child Development & Discovery Center Excellence in Customer Service Award: Don Jose Family Mexican Restaurant Excellence in Agriculture Award: Seed Savers Exchange Excellence in Marketing Award: Red-Roxy Quilt Co. Dedication to Community Award: Luther College Positivity Award: Mayor Lorraine Borowski Tourism Award: Luna Valley Farm Ambassador of the Year: Maureen Duncklee Volunteer Excellence Award: Christopher Fassbender Young Professional Awards: Morgan Bjerke, Dress by Morgan Lynn Simon Cropp, Lawn Chair Night Summer Series & Nordic Fest Isaac Luzum, Chamber Ag. Committee Sophie Nall, Decorah Public Library Ida Rotto, Red Oak Outdoor School Spark Joy Mini Awards: Roumel Reynon, Tableside Bananas Foster Letterwerks Team, Rush Order Excellence Perfect Edge, New Perpendicular Signage & Facade Improvements Ryan Vsetecka, Lighting Installation on College Drive Bridge Luke Wilkins, Extensive & Thematic Holiday Wardrobe City of Decorah, 260 Feet of New Curb & Gutter on West Main Street The Chamber's 2025 Business Awards Event is supported by Event Presenting Sponsor Viking State Bank; Event Supporting Sponsors The Getup and Edward Jones Financial Advisors (Zachary Shearer, Nathan Paulsen, Justin Gullekson, Troy Whitehill, Spencer Cuvelier); and Event Spark Joy Sponsor SERVPRO of Decorah. For more than 100 years, the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce has served the business community. Staff in 2025 include Executive Director Jessica Rilling, Director of Operations & Membership Amanda Streeper, Marketing & Membership Associate Hannah Tulgren, and Hospitality Associate Meg Storkamp. The chamber also manages the Visit Decorah tourism brand through contract fulfillment by Alyssa Ritter. Unlock a world of knowledge! Sign up for free DecorahNews.com newsletters and receive local news, local events and everything that is happening in and around Decorah.