Annual Celebration

Overview

Join us for the Chamber's Annual Celebration! Open to everyone, the Annual Celebration highlights the Chamber's accomplishments and honors outstanding businesses and entrepreneurs through our annual business awards. More than just a celebration, this networking and community event offers an opportunity to connect with others and celebrate the accomplishments of the Chamber and fellow Grinnell businesses. In 2026, the Chamber’s annual celebration will be held on Wednesday, March 4 at the Harris Center at Grinnell College (1114 10th Ave).

Ticket Information:

Full Event – $60

• Dinner, drink ticket, dessert, and awards celebration. Table purchases are available and encouraged ($480 for table of 8).

Awards Ceremony — $20

• Begins at 7 PM and includes dessert and only the awards ceremony.

Click the "Register Now" on the top of this page to purchase your tickets today!

Event Schedule:

• 4:30 PM: Doors open for cocktail hour and networking

• 5:30 PM: Dinner served

• 6 PM: Featured guest speaker — Shelby Smith

  • Shelby Smith is the owner of The Back Yard in Collins, Iowa. Her business offers an inviting mix of vintage and modern home goods, hand-refinished furniture, and a mobile coffee and cocktail bar. Her business seeks to bring new energy to her small-town main street. With a passion for creativity and community, Smith curates spaces and experiences that inspire connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging.  She’s dedicated to showing what’s possible in rural places — turning vision into vibrancy through thoughtful design, local collaboration, and a love for bringing people together.

• 7 PM: Grinnell Chamber 2025 highlights; awards ceremony begins

Menu Highlights:

• Apple and candied walnut salad with roasted lemon dressing
• Boursin & roasted pepper stuffed chicken breast
• Raspberry cream pie
• Vegetarian entrée available: Peruvian bean, kale and pumpkin seeds

Are You a Local Artist? We Are Seeking Proposals! 

The Grinnell Chamber of Commerce is seeking proposals from local artists to create custom-designed awards for the 2026 Annual Celebration. The awards will be presented to the recipients of different categories during the event, 7-8 total awards will be needed. The design must incorporate the following elements:

• The award name
• The Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce logo
• The year (2026)
• The name(s) of the award winner(s), which will be provided to the artist by February 20,
• 2026.
• Be at least 5” wide by 9” tall
• Incorporate some elements of design reflecting the Merchants National Bank

Artists must be able to complete and deliver the awards to the Chamber by March 2, 2026. Deadline to submit proprosals is Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026.

Learn more here.

Award nominations are now closed!

Nominations were due Friday, February 6; they will reopen following this year's event. 

• Business of the Year*

  • Businesses nominated for this award have historically demonstrated growth in its employment, production, and/or operations. In addition, they display a substantial history of success and has had a positive social and/or economic impact on the Grinnell area. The recipient must have shown outstanding growth, significant achievements in innovation, and superior community involvement through commitment of time and resources.

  • *Nominees must be a Chamber member to be considered

• Restaurant/Retailer of the Year*

  • Nominated restaurants, bars, or retail businesses demonstrate exemplary customer service and excellence in its industry. The recipient has a history of success and contributes to the community through the commitment of time and other resources.

  • *Nominees must be a Chamber member to be considered

• Service Business of the Year*

  • Nominated service businesses, manufacturers, or distributors demonstrate excellence in its industry by creating innovative programs and initiatives. Such innovation has proven to help in these businesses’ customer service and support. Recipients have had a history of success and contribute to the community through the commitment of time and other resources.

  • *Nominees must be a Chamber Member to be considered

• GRINNtogether Awards

  • The GRINNtogether awards aim to recognize businesses, organizations, and individuals who have — and are currently — performing exemplary work to shape Grinnell into a great place to live, learn, work, and play. Award winners strive toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, create positive collaborations and partnership, and serve as a role model for others in the community. These businesses, organizations, and individuals are no doubt “ones to watch” over the course of the next few years!

2025 Annual Celebration Award Winners

• Business of the Year 2025: Grinnell Herald Register

• Restaurant/Retailer of the Year 2025: Beckman Gallery & Gifts

• Service Business of the Year 2025: Double You Marketing

• GRINNtogether Awards 2025: Grinnell Fire & EMS Department, Grinnell Historical Museum, Grinnell School of Music, and Renewed Hope Home Furnishings

Register Now

Event Sponsors