Perham Area Chamber of Commerce Reveals 2026 Chamber Choice Award Recipients

The Perham Area Chamber of Commerce has named seven recipients for its 2026 Chamber Choice Awards, recognizing individuals, volunteers, and businesses whose contributions have shaped the Perham community. Nominations were gathered in January, with the Awards Committee making the final selections across each category.

Dean Simpson receives the Humble Servant Award, described as the program's pinnacle achievement, given to an individual who has had an extraordinary impact on the Perham community in a civic engagement role. Simpson joins a short list of past recipients that includes Jim Johnson in 2024 and Dean's Country Market in 2015. David Schornack earns the Hall of Fame Award, which recognizes sustained contributions to the community over time.

Justine Anderson takes the Leadership Award, given to someone who has done an especially good job in leading the community on a project or an important issue. Jan Parta receives the Humanitarian Award, which honors an individual or organization devoted to improving the physical and/or emotional welfare of those in the community. Past Humanitarian Award recipients include Therese Perro in 2025, Maria Soto in 2024, and Courtney Rooney in 2023.

The Volunteer Award goes to the Turtle Race Crew: Jerry Hangartner, Betty Locken, Phyllis Christenson, and Louise Thomsen. The award recognizes a person or group who gives of their time to volunteer to help others. Previous recipients include Bob Schepper in 2025 and the BIO Girls duo of Sara Hanson and Marni Moch in 2024.

On the business side, the Perham Area Community Center earns the Best in Business Award, which goes to a business or organization that strives to remain competitive and innovative. The honor continues a tradition that has previously recognized Lakes Community Cooperative, Perham Printing, and, in 2020, The Cactus, which is also this year's banquet venue. North Pines Market receives the Small-Town Spirit Award, given to a business or organization that consistently exhibits outstanding customer service, support, and community spirit. Past Small-Town Spirit honorees include Lakes ACE Hardware in 2025 and HOL Nutrition in 2024.

The awards are a way of showing individuals how much the Perham Area community appreciates them and the work they do, according to the chamber.

All seven recipients will be honored at a banquet on Thursday, April 9, at The Cactus in Perham. A social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the awards presentation follows at 7:15 p.m. Those seeking additional information can contact the Perham Area Chamber of Commerce at 1-218-346-7710 or visit the office at 185 East Main, Perham, MN 56573.