Watertown Area Chamber Announces 2026 Annual Celebration Award Nominees

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD — The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the nominees for its 2026 Annual Celebration Awards, honoring local business leaders, organizations, and community members whose work has strengthened the Watertown community over the past year.

The awards will be presented during Toast to the Year: A Year of Connections, the Chamber’s 111th Annual Celebration, scheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Watertown Event Center.

According to the Chamber’s press release, the Annual Celebration Awards highlight individuals and businesses whose leadership, service, and commitment help make Watertown a strong place to live, work, and do business.

2026 Award Categories & Nominees

Businessman of the Year

·         Kent Borstad, Agwrx Cooperative

·         Jim Engels, South Forty Specialties

·         Bill Speier, State Farm Insurance

Businesswoman of the Year

·         Heather Carter, Slumberland Furniture

·         Jayme Erickson, Dempsey’s Brewery, Restaurant & Pub

·         Kenzie Jackson, First Bank & Trust

Chamber Business of the Year

·         Area Federal Credit Union

·         Austin Law Office

·         Two T’s Sales & Service

Spirit of Watertown

·         Steve Jurrens, Northeast Radio SD

·         Diane Larson, Angels Attic

·         Natasha Ronke, Ronke Creations

The Chamber Business of the Year award recognizes a business that demonstrates exceptional customer service, a strong team, and a commitment to the Watertown community. The Spirit of Watertown award honors an individual, business, or organization whose efforts have created a lasting impact and legacy in the community.

In addition to these four categories, the Chamber will also present its Ambassador of the Year award. This peer‑voted honor recognizes a Chamber Ambassador who positively represents the organization, fosters meaningful relationships, and actively participates in Chamber activities.

Celebration Event Details

Toast to the Year marks the beginning of the Chamber’s new fiscal year and offers an opportunity to celebrate the past year's accomplishments while looking ahead to future growth in the Watertown area. Guests will enjoy a sit‑down dinner, awards program and several interactive “fun‑draisers,” including:

·         Open for Bidness Silent Auction – five one‑of‑a‑kind auction packages

·         Package Deal Mystery Box Raffle – raffle ticket holders choose a mystery box

·         Ahead of the Game Heads or Tails 50/50 – a fast‑paced elimination game

·         How Sweet It Is Cupcake Draw – purchase a cupcake for a chance to win a prize

Tickets are available at WatertownSD.com for $40 for Chamber members and $50 for non‑members. Reserved tables are available for groups of eight or more; all other guests will be seated at mixed tables.

About the Chamber

The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce works to connect, advocate for, and support the businesses and organizations that make the Watertown area a thriving place to live, work, and do business.