Every Autumn, the Annual Celebration marks the start of the Chamber’s fiscal year. Members are invited to join in the celebration of the past year’s accomplishments, and to preview the endeavors of the coming year. Join us Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Watertown Event Center for the Chamber’s 111th Annual Celebration — Toast to the Year: A Year of Connections.

This year’s evening will feature dinner, annual awards, plenty of opportunities to win, and — most importantly — a chance to connect and celebrate with fellow Chamber members.

This year guests will enjoy:

Open for Bidness Silent Auction: Bid on five one-of-a-kind packages through our online silent auction!

Package Deal Mystery Box Raffle: Purchase a raffle entry for the opportunity to select a mystery box.

Ahead of the Game Heads or Tails 50/50: Choose heads or tails and see how long you can stay in the game! 

How Sweet It Is Cupcake Draw: Purchase a cupcake for your opportunity to win a prize. 

For more information about supporting this event as a sponsor, scroll down to keep reading.

CELEBRATE WATERTOWN’S BEST

An important part of our Annual Celebration is recognizing the people and businesses whose leadership, service, and commitment make Watertown stronger.

Awards presented during Toast to the Year include:

• Ambassador of the Year
• Businessman of the Year
• Businesswoman of the Year
• Chamber Business of the Year
• Spirit of Watertown

Please submit your nominations, accompanied by a short summary explaining why your nominee deserves recognition, by clicking the button below.

Come celebrate another year of connections with the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce!

Thursday, October 22, 2026
Watertown Event Center

Chamber Member Tickets $40 +tax
Non-Member Tickets $50 +tax

Reserved tables are available for groups of 8 or more.

Please be sure to include your seating preference and meal choice with your registration, as tables will be assigned to all attendees.

These Open for Bidness Silent Auction Packages include adventures for all kinds of travelers and a sweet treat as a tribute to our former Dessert Auction. Bid on these unique packages at Toast to the Year on October 22.

PACKAGE #3 COMING SOON!

Sometimes you just have to take a chance! Purchase a raffle entry for the opportunity to select a mystery box. Every box contains a prize — the only mystery is what you’ll take home!

Choose heads or tails and see how long you can stay in the game! Your first round is free, with beads available for purchase that give you additional chances to keep playing. The last guest standing wins!

Have your cake and a chance to win, too! Purchase a cupcake for your opportunity to win a prize. Either way… you get dessert.

SEEKING NOMINATIONS: 2026 ANNUAL CELEBRATION AWARDS

2026 Awards to be presented include: Ambassador of the Year, Businessman of the Year,
Businesswoman of the Year, Business of the Year, & Spirit of Watertown.

The 111th annual event will be held Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Watertown Event Center. Tickets to Toast to the Year are available now online for $40 +tax. Reserved tables are available for groups of 8+.

Businessman & Businesswoman of the Year – The Businessman and Businesswoman of the year are the toughest to decide. This is why we need your help. Sometimes we see and hear all the good things that happen publicly, whether on social media or local media, but we are certain there are many business people that go unrecognized outside of their organization. We want to recognize these business people at Toast to the Year Annual Celebration Banquet Award Ceremony.

Business of the Year – Is there a business you believe has earned the title of Business of the Year? Do they have top notch customer service, friendly staff, AND care about the Watertown community? Tell us everything about your nomination: what makes them remarkable and worthy of this award.

Spirit of Watertown – This award is given to individuals, businesses, or organizations that have accomplished something that has a lasting impact and legacy in our community. Previous winners have made impacts by organizing food drives, fundraising for worthy causes, and building communal spaces. This award reaches beyond business accomplishments and focuses on community involvement and outreach.

Ambassador of the Year – The Ambassador of the Year represents and promotes the Chamber in a positive manner, with professionalism and assists in fostering meaningful, long-lasting relationships. They speak highly and advocate for the Chamber, and actively participate in Chamber activities.

Submit your nomination and a short summary of why you believe they should be celebrated by September 25, 2026.

LOOKING BACK
Past Award Winners

Ag Business of the Year …………………………… Midwest Veterinary Service
Businessman of the Year …………………………………………….. Chris Schilken
Businesswoman of the Year ……………………………………….. Melanie Weiss
Chairman’s Award …………………………………………………………… Todd Syhre
Chamber Business of the Year ………….. Dakotaland Federal Credit Union
Family Business of the Year ……………………………………….. Larry’s Lumber
Manufacturing Business of the Year ……………………….. Benchmark Foam
Rookie Business of the Year …………………………….. Coteau Chic Boutique
Spirit of Watertown ………………. Watertown Area Community Foundation
Volunteer of the Year …………………………………………………… Cameron Buri

2018

Businessman of the Year ………………………………………………… Travas Uthe
Businesswoman of the Year ……………………………………… Liz Christianson
Chairman’s Award ………………………………………………………….. Holly Brown
Chamber Business of the Year …………………………………. Phillip Matthews
State Farm Insurance
Family Business of the Year ……………………………………. Moffatt Products
Manufacturing Business of the Year ……………….. Worthington Industries
Rookie Business of the Year …………………………………………………… Gather
Spirit of Watertown …………………………………………. Watertown Lions Club
Volunteer of the Year ……………………………………………….. Scott Jongbloed

2017

Businessman of the Year …………………………………………………… Eric Skott
Businesswoman of the Year …………………………………………… Doris Wilkey
Chairman’s Award …………………………………………………….. Dakota Butcher
Chamber Business of the Year …………………………………………………….. ADI
Family Business of the Year ………………………………. ESCO Manufacturing
Manufacturing Business of the Year ……………………………. Dakota Bodies
Rookie Business of the Year ……………….. Harry’s Hair Cuts & Hot Towels
Spirit of Watertown ……………………………………………….. Melissa Herrboldt
Volunteer of the Year ………………………………………………………… Mei Oviatt

2016

Businessman of the Year …………………………………………………. Jim Seurer
Businesswoman of the Year …………………………………………… Chris Carter
Chamber Business of the Year ………………………………… Discount Liquors
Family Business of the Year ………………………………………. Dakota Butcher
Rookie Business of the Year …………………. Watertown Brewing Company
Volunteer of the Year ……………………………………………….. Marsha Dargatz

2015

Businessman of the Year ……………………………………………… Glen Vilhauer
Businesswoman of the Year …………………………………………… LuAnn Strait
Chairman’s Award ……………………………………………………………. Jim Dugan
Chamber Business of the Year …………………………………. Wurth Electronik
Family Business of the Year ………………………………… Dempsey’s Brewery
Restaurant & Pub
Spirit of Watertown ……………………………………………………. Jim Mahowald
Volunteer of the Year …………………………………………………….. Tom Holmes