2026 Fall Gala honors business owners, workers
Visit Cook County and the Cook County Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2026 Fall Gala on Wednesday night.
The event, which drew a crowd of hundreds of community leaders, entrepreneurs, and dedicated hospitality professionals for an evening of networking, recognition, and appreciation.
The night includes the Cook County Chamber Business Awards, which recognize outstanding businesses and business leaders who have made a significant contribution to the local economy and community.
Below is a full list of winners and nominees from the evening:
2026 Heart of Hospitality Nominees
Grand Marais
Gabby Waver
Sue Anderson
Kim Falter
Jessica Markusen
Ethan Schiffman
Josh Carlson
Autumn Sturm
Kestral Burton
Molly Delia Quello
Laura Scott
Winner: Kestral Burton, Drury Lane Books
Gunflint Trail
Dion Norby
Karen Rogers
Stephanie Shea
Annette Cozzi
Winner: Stephanie Shea, Borderland Lodge
Lutsen – Tofte- Schroeder
Paul Haugen
Cory Wilde
Tiffany Foster
Denton Robinson
Marjorie Lopez
Garrett Eckman
Lillian Patterson
Sam Halac
Winner: Garrett Eckman, Superior National Golf Course
Grand Portage
Winner: Gabrielle Christenson, Grand Portage Trading Post
2026 Chamber Business Award Nominees
Chamber Business of the Year
North Shore Federal Credit Union
Johnson’s Foods
Skyport Lodge
Cook County Historical Society
Gun Flint Tavern
She Does
North Shore Laundry Services
Winner: She Does
Community Business Leader of the Year
Patrick Kindler & McCabe Plaas
Chris Homyak
Crystal Clemons & Jacob Muus
Janic Latz
Winner: Crystal Clemons & Jacob Muus
Entrepreneur of the Year
Forrest Parson
Eric Brisson & Tyler Smith
Josh Lindstrom
Winner: Eric Brisson & Tyler Smith
Norman Deschampe Award
David Williams
Sarah Jorgenson-Hallberg
Matt Bronikowski
Winner: Sarah Jorgenson-Hallberg
Photos of the Sept. 23 event by WTIP’s Chuck Olsen are below:
Josh Hinke September 24, 2026
