2025 Fall Gala honors local business and hospitality community

Each year, Visit Cook County holds a Fall Gala at which they recognize members of the local business community and the many community members working in the hospitality industry. The evening includes awards presented for exceptional service and participation in Cook County’s robust local business community.

At the 2025 Fall Gala held on Oct. 30 at the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, the Cook County Chamber of Commerce announced the following awards:

Heart of Hospitality

• Grand Marais Area Tourism – Marjorie Quello, Grand Marais Liquor
• Gunflint Trail Association – Bonnie Schudy, Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center
• Lutsen – Tofte – Schroeder Tourism Association – Audrey Trimble, Lutsen Mountains
• Grand Portage – Crystal Johnson, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino

Chamber Business of the Year

• Cedar Grove Veterinary Clinic

Chamber Business Leader of the Year

• Thom McAleer, Cascade Lodge

Entrepreneur of the Year

• Carmen Skildum, Grand Marais Barbell

Norman Deshampe Award

• Sarah & Anna Hamilton

Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees and winners!

Peter Clissold and Katie Belanger (WTIP)

Bobby Deschampe and Donna Lunke

Dan Shirley and Gregg Westigard

Tom Morse and Greg Wright (North House Folk School)

Rep. Roger Skraba and Bobby Deschampe

Linda Jurek (Visit Cook County)

Anna and Sarah Hamilton (Hamilton Habitat)

Audrey and Zach Trimble (Lutsen Mountains)

Dr. Nadder Samari (Cedar Grove Veterinary Clinic)

Carmen Skildum (Grand Marais Barbell)

Award winners

Ann Sullivan and Agatha Armstrong

Chuck Olsen October 31, 2025