The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the recipients of its 2026 business awards, with 10 businesses and eight individuals set to be recognized at the Chamber’s annual in-person celebration Tuesday, Sept. 29.
The event will include a presentation of awards from 6 to 7 p.m., led by Executive Director Jessica Rilling and Director of Operations Amanda Streeper. Champagne will be served by Bon Appetit, and Brennan Henry will provide live music. Chamber board directors, staff and committee members are also expected to attend.
Businesses recognized across several categories
This year’s awards span business performance, customer service, agriculture, tourism, community involvement, collaboration and design and construction. The Chamber will also present a Legacy Award, an Emerging New Business Award and a pair of Excellence in Design & Construction awards.
- Business of the Year: Decorah Ace Stores
- Legacy Award: Whippy Dip
- Excellence in Customer Service: Modish
- Agriculture Business Award: Brynsaas Sales & Service
- Excellence in Design & Construction: Transforming Tomorrow, WinnMed
- Excellence in Design & Construction: The Highlands, An Aase Haugen Community
- Emerging New Business: On Point Permanent Cosmetics
- Dedication to Community: Decorah Human Powered Trails
- Tourism Award: Niagara Cave
- Collaboration Award: Holiday Lights Event
The Chamber will also recognize Cindy Hoyme of Kerndt Brothers Bank as Ambassador of the Year. Ed and Joyce Epperly will receive the Volunteers of the Year honor.
Young professionals and Spark Joy honorees
Five area professionals will receive Young Professional Awards: Linley Cavin of Storied Folk & Co.; Cole Tweten of the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office; John Gossling of Gossling Woodworking; Morgan McMillan of Oneota Golf & Country Club; and Josh Dansdill of Northeast Iowa RC&D, who will be honored posthumously.
The Chamber will also present six “Spark Joy Mini Awards.” The special category highlights improvements and actions in and around the community that contribute to what the organization describes as hometown happiness.
- Dixie’s Biergarten, for Best Burger in Iowa
- Luther Athletics Department, for Viking Vacation Days
- TBock’s, for repurposing Luther’s Regents Center gym floor
- Brian Bakken of Bruening Rock Products, for Skidloader Expertise
- Oneota Valley Family Eye Care, for its Driftless Frame Collection
- Editor Seth Boyes’ columns for the Decorah Leader
RSVPs required for Sept. 29 event
The 2026 celebration is the third year of the Chamber’s awards event, which launched in 2024 as part of the organization’s 100th-year celebration. The Chamber said feedback about the event has been positive and that the program is designed to give attendees a chance to learn more about one another while recognizing local business and community contributions.
“The Decorah Area Chamber has always believed in the importance of recognizing hardworking business owners,” says Director 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 award categories were developed through research at the state and regional levels, and the final recipients were approved by the full Chamber Board of Directors. RSVPs are required. People interested in attending are directed to complete the RSVP form on the event webpage.
Decorah Bank & Trust is the Lead Organizational Sponsor. Viking State Bank & Trust is the Presenting Sponsor, with Deco Products, The Getup and Gallagher listed as Supporting Sponsors. Jubilee, Servpro of Decorah and Inspire(d) Media are Spark Joy Sponsors.
The Decorah Area Chamber has served local business and the community for more than 100 years. The organization works with the Winneshiek County Development & Tourism team, the Downtown Decorah Betterment Association and the City of Decorah on the area’s business ecosystem and quality of life. More than 80 area professionals serve on the Chamber’s board and committees.
