Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Award Winners
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of its 2026 Annual Celebration Awards on Thursday night, Oct. 22, 2026, honoring local business leaders, organizations, and community members whose leadership and service have strengthened the Watertown community over the past year.
The Chamber presented the awards during Toast to the Year: A Year of Connections, its 111th Annual Celebration, held at the Watertown Event Center. The annual event marks the beginning of the Chamber's new fiscal year and celebrates the past year's accomplishments while looking ahead to future growth in the Watertown area.
2026 Chamber Award Recipients
· Businessman of the Year:
o Jim Engels of South Forty Specialties was named the 2026 Businessman of the Year. Other nominees included Kent Borstad of Agwrx Cooperative and Bill Speier of State Farm Insurance.
· Businesswoman of the Year:
o Jayme Erickson of Dempsey's Brewery, Restaurant & Pub received the 2026 Businesswoman of the Year award. Other nominees included Heather Carter of Slumberland Furniture and Kenzie Jackson of First Bank & Trust.
· Chamber Business of the Year:
o Austin Law Office was honored as the 2026 Chamber Business of the Year, which recognizes a business that demonstrates exceptional customer service, a strong team, and a commitment to the Watertown community. Other nominees in the category were Area Federal Credit Union and Two T's Sales & Service.
· Spirit of Watertown:
o Diane Larson of Angels Attic received the 2026 Spirit of Watertown award, which honors an individual, business, or organization whose efforts have created a lasting impact and legacy in the community. Other nominees in the category were Steve Jurrens of Northeast Radio SD and Natasha Ronke of Ronke Creations.
· Ambassador of the Year:
o Natasha Ronke of Ronke Creations was named the 2026 Ambassador of the Year. This peer-voted honor recognizes a Chamber Ambassador who represents the organization well, builds meaningful relationships, and actively participates in Chamber activities.
Celebration Highlights
Attendees at the 111th Annual Celebration took part in a sit-down dinner, the formal awards program, and four interactive fundraising activities: the Open for Bidness Silent Auction featuring five auction packages, the Package Deal Mystery Box Raffle, the Ahead of the Game Heads or Tails 50/50 game, and the How Sweet It Is Cupcake Draw.
The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce connects, advocates for, and supports the businesses and organizations that serve the Watertown area.
Tim Sheehan, Natasha Ronke, Mackenzie Ries, Ashley Johnson
