Cook County Chamber of Commerce 2026 Fall Gala: Highlights and Winners
On the evening of September 23, the Cook County Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2026 Fall Gala, gathering hundreds of community leaders, entrepreneurs, and hospitality professionals for a night dedicated to networking and recognition.
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
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
The evening celebrated the profound impact of local businesses and individuals on the Cook County economy and community. Photos from the event, captured by WTIP’s Chuck Olsen, are available below to commemorate the occasion.
