Perham Chamber Opens Nominations for 2026 Chamber Choice Awards

The Perham Area Chamber of Commerce launched its nomination period for the 2026 Chamber Choice awards on Jan. 8, 2026, inviting residents to submit candidates through Feb. 15. The announcement highlights several award categories, including The Leadership Award and The Hall of Fame Award, and makes clear that nominees do not need to be Chamber members to be considered.

Nominations may be submitted online or by email, giving residents multiple ways to participate in recognizing local contributions. The Chamber framed the program as an opportunity to honor individuals and groups that have made meaningful contributions to Perham, signaling an emphasis on community recognition and civic engagement.

The Chamber Choice awards function as one of the county’s annual civic rituals, spotlighting volunteers, business leaders, nonprofit organizers and long-term contributors whose efforts shape local quality of life. By opening nominations broadly and expressly allowing nonmembers, the Chamber expanded the pool of potential honorees beyond its immediate network, which could amplify visibility for quieter forms of civic service that otherwise go unrecognized.

For local residents, participating in the nomination process is a practical way to influence which activities and values the community elevates. Recognition through these awards can bolster the profile of small organizations, help volunteers attract support, and encourage others to engage in civic activities. Municipal leaders and organizations watching these selections can glean signals about community priorities and emerging leaders to collaborate with on local initiatives.

The Chamber provided specifics on categories and the deadline in its announcement; it did not, however, include detailed information about selection criteria, the composition of any judging panel, or the timetable for announcing winners. Those procedural details influence perceptions of fairness and transparency and matter to nominators who invest time documenting candidates’ contributions. Clear follow-up from the Chamber on selection procedures and award timelines would help maintain public confidence in the awards and maximize participation.

With the Feb. 15 deadline approaching, residents and organizations seeking to recognize local service have a narrow window to submit nominations. The Chamber’s expanded eligibility presents an opening for broader civic participation and for Perham to publicly acknowledge the people and groups shaping its civic and economic life.