Decorah Area Chamber Announces 2026 Business Award Recipients

Know what's happening in your hometown. Help us keep you informed. DECORAH — The Decorah Area Chamber has announce its business award recipients for 2026. Ten businesses and eight individuals will be recognized this year as part of the Chamber's annual event. Awards this year include Business of the Year, Excellence in Customer Service, Legacy Award, Emerging New Business, Agriculture Business Award, Dedication to Community, Tourism Award, Collaboration Award and two awards for Excellence in Design & Construction. The Chamber will recognize five Young Professionals, honor a Chamber Ambassador of the Year and present its Volunteer of the Year award. In addition to the formal awards, the Chamber also gives six "Spark Joy Mini Awards," a special category recognizing improvements and actions in and around the community that contribute to hometown happiness. All award recipients will be recognized at the in-person Business Awards Event on Tuesday, Sept. 29. Champagne will be served by Bon Appetit and live music will be provided by Brennan Henry. Executive Director Jessica Rilling and Director of Operations Amanda Streeper will lead the Presentation of Awards from 6 to 7 p.m. Chamber board directors, staff and committee members will be in attendance to celebrate the award winners and support the event. The Chamber's 2026 Business Awards Event is supported by Lead Organizational Sponsor Decorah Bank & Trust, Presenting Sponsor Viking State Bank & Trust, Supporting Sponsors Deco Products, The Getup and Gallagher, and Spark Joy Sponsors Jubilee, Servpro of Decorah and Inspire(d) Media. "The Decorah Area Chamber has always believed in the importance of recognizing hardworking business owners," said Executive Director Jessica Rilling. "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 people who start, maintain and grow businesses here in the Decorah area." The Decorah Area Chamber extends appreciation and congratulations to the 2026 award winners: Business of the Year Award: Decorah Ace Store Legacy Award: Whippy Dip Excellence in Customer Service Award: Modish Agriculture Business Award: Brynsaas Sales & Service Excellence in Design & Construction Award: Transforming Tomorrow, WinnMed Excellence in Design & Construction Award: The Highlands, An Aase Haugen Community Emerging New Business Award: On Point Permanent Cosmetics Dedication to Community Award: Decorah Human Powered Trails Tourism Award: Niagara Cave Collaboration Award: Holiday Lights Event Ambassador of the Year: Cindy Hoyme, Kerndt Brothers Bank Volunteer of the Year: Ed & Joyce Epperly Young Professional Awards: Linley Cavin, Storied Folk & Co. Cole Tweten, Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office John Gossling, Gossling Woodworking Morgan McMillan, Oneota Golf & Country Club Josh Dansdill, awarded posthumously, Northeast Iowa RC&D Spark Joy Mini Awards: Dixie's Biergarten for Best Burger in Iowa Luther Athletics Department for Viking Vacation Days T-Bock's for repurposing Luther's Regents Center gym floor Brian Bakken with Bruening Rock Products for skid loader expertise Oneota Valley Family Eye Care's Driftless Frame Collection Editor Seth Boyes' columns for the Decorah Leader 2026 marks the third year for the awards event, which was launched in 2024 as part of the Chamber's 100th-year celebration. "Our feedback for this event has been very positive," said Marketing & Membership Associate Hannah Tulgren. "Our team works hard to curate an elevated event experience, and the program is structured so that everyone in attendance learns more about each other. It's a memorable and fun night." The portfolio of awards created by the Chamber organization was based on research at the state and regional levels. The final list of recipients is approved by the full Chamber Board of Directors. RSVPs are required for this special event. Those interested in attending should contact Chamber staff directly to secure a spot. For more than 100 years, the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce has served businesses and the community. Staff in 2026 include Executive Director Jessica Rilling, Director of Operations Amanda Streeper, Marketing & Membership Associate Hannah Tulgren and Hospitality Associate Meg Storkamp. The Chamber also manages the Visit Decorah tourism brand contract, which is fulfilled by Alyssa Ritter. The Decorah Area Chamber works closely with the Winneshiek County Development & Tourism team, Downtown Decorah Betterment Association and the City of Decorah to support the local business ecosystem and maintain the remarkable quality of life the Decorah area is known for. More than 80 area professionals serve on the Chamber's Board of Directors and committees. Know what's happening, without having to look for it. Sign up for our free newsletter.