2021 Virtual Community Awards Gala
Event Sponsors
Call For Community Award Nominees! Deadline November 15, 2020
Now is the time to nominate a Business, Citizen, Educator, Public Safety Worker and Nonprofit who has made a difference in the Woodbury area community this year! Criteria for each category listed below. The winners will be announced during the virtual Gala on January 22, 2021. Submit nominations by clicking online link or download and return pdf. Deadline for nominations is November 15, 2020.
NOMINATE ONLINE BY CLICKING HERE
Business of the Year—Nominee must be a member in good standing with the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce; an active business located or operating in the Woodbury area for a minimum of five years; show stability or growth in sales and services; demonstrate ethical business practices and corporate or community leadership. Nomination Form
Educator of the Year—Nominee must be a licensed teacher who instructs students PK-12 at a public or private school within the Woodbury area and must have taught during the 2019-2020 school year. Selection is based on the educator’s ability to inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to reach their full potential. Nomination Form
Nonprofit of the Year—Nominee must be an active 501-C3 organization located or operating in the Woodbury area for a minimum of three years, a Woodbury chamber member in good standing and made a notable impact on the quality of life for those who live and work in the Woodbury area while adhering to their nonprofit mission statement (mission statement must be included with nomination). Nomination Form
Public Safety Worker of the Year—Nominee must be employed as a public safety worker with the Woodbury area and been involved in an event or circumstance that displayed heroism, community service, bravery or dedication in 2020. Nomination Form
Past Award Recipients (2019-2013):
- Business: Culvers of Woodbury, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts of Woodbury, Family Achievement Center, Crossroads Properties, Woodbury Dance Center, ICC Restoration & Cleaning Services, Minuteman Press, Express Employment
- Citizen: Roger Green, Mary Giuliani Stephens, Theresa Janechek, Margaret Wachholz, Nicole Robbins & Lisa Engh, Inez Oehlke, Jack Lanners, Dwight Picha
- Educator: Louise Erickson, New Life Academy; Randy Spring, Liberty Ridge Elementary; Richard Romano, Newport Elementary; Lisa Hyland, Woodbury High School; Christy Moen, Peace of Mind Early Education Center; Nicole Loch, ISD 833-Next Step Program; Robin Kazek, Lake Middle School; Brent Comedu, Woodbury High School
- Public Safety Worker: Kris Mienert, Woodbury Assistant Public Safety Director/Assistant Police Chief and Greg Rinzel, Cottage Grove Police Captain; Woodbury Police Officers: Jeff Benysek, Steve Hane, Adam Sack, Nick Wachal; Detective Paul Kroshus & Assistant Washington County Prosecutor Imran Ali
- Nonprofit: Woodbury Senior Living, Oak Meadows Senior Living, Woodbury Athletic Association, Ideal Community Foundation, Youth Service Bureau, Woodbury Lions, Christian Cupboard Emergency Food Shelf
The Chamber’s Annual Community Awards Gala is an event featuring the community awards presentation to deserving Woodbury area recipients in five categories. Although the 2021 Gala will be held virtually, the event will include announcement of award winners, remarks from outgoing and incoming Chamber Board Chairs and the opportunity to participate in event favorites-- wine pull, dessert auction, and silent auction. New this year, auction items will be posted online Monday-Thursday week of event for bidding by members and nonmembers. Dessert auction winners will pick up cakes at the bakeries and wine and silent auction winners will pick up items at the Chamber office on Friday, January 22.
Sponsor the Event! Thank you SPIRE CREDIT UNION, Exclusive Diamond Sponsor of the event! Five additional levels of event sponsorships available. For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Laurie Staiger at 651-578-0722 or laurie@woodburychamber.org
Donate to the Silent Auction and Wine Pull! Now accepting gift baskets, gift cards and items valued at $50 or greater for the silent auction as well as six bottles of wine or more for the wine pull. Please contact michele@woodburychamber.org by November 15. All donors will be recognized during the event.
Attend the Event! Attendee packages available ranging from $150-$500. An event link will be sent to registrants at noon on January 22 for optimal viewing—allowing everything from a company work lunch event to happy hour or small group evening gathering. For more information email michele@woodburychamber.org.
