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The Awards - 2026

May 7, 2026 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM (CDT)

Description

Formerly known as the ChamberChoice Awards, The Awards represent a new chapter in recognizing the businesses and individuals shaping our region, with expanded recognition for individual leaders in 2026. This is an elevated evening of recognition. Guests are encouraged to dress in cocktail attire for the occasion.


Nominations are NOW CLOSED FOR BUSINESS AWARDS
Nominations are open FOR INDIVIDUAL AWARDS THROUGH MARCH 2

Rising Leader Award

The Rising Leader Award recognizes an individual who is demonstrating emerging leadership, notable professional growth and strong potential to create lasting impact within their organization and the broader community. This award honors rising professionals who are building influence through initiative, engagement and a clear commitment to leadership excellence.

Rising Leader Award eligibility:

  • Individuals employed by Chamber member organizations
  • Professionals in business, nonprofit or civic sectors, who are early in their career 
  • Nominees must be under the age of 40 OR have fewer than 10 years in a formal leadership role
  • Nominees may be in formal leadership roles or may demonstrate informal leadership, such as leading initiatives, mentoring others, driving innovation, or contributing meaningfully to culture or community
  • Young Professionals Network involvement encouraged


Distinguished Leader Award

The Distinguished Leader Award honors mid‑career professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, meaningful influence and forward‑moving momentum in their roles. These individuals actively shape the future of their organizations and the greater business community through strategic leadership, innovation, mentorship and purposeful engagement.

Distinguished Leader Award eligibility:

  • Individuals employed by Chamber member organizations
  • Professionals in business, nonprofit or civic sectors
  • Mid‑career or senior‑level leaders
  • Individuals who have not yet reached the Legacy Leader stage but demonstrate strong leadership excellence
  • Have established leadership experience and are recognized as a key contributor within their organization or industry
  • Demonstrate continued professional growth, vision and influence
  • Drive positive change through innovation, collaboration and strategic decision‑making
  • Make a measurable impact on their team, organization and/or community

Self‑nominations and peer nominations for both awards are welcome.

For individual awards, the nomination serves as the application and must be completed by the nominator. A committee will narrow the pool to 12 honorees, who will be announced prior to the event. Three of these individuals will be named recipients live at The Awards on May 7.


Nominations for the business awards have officially closed.

Businesses that have been nominated will be notified by Feb. 9 and invited to complete a full application. Completed applications are due by March 2. An independent committee will review submissions and select four finalists and one winner per category. Finalists will be announced prior to the event, with winners revealed live during The Awards on May 7.

  Nominate for the Individual Awards

An elevated celebration of regional excellence 

The Awards are the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo region’s premier recognition event, honoring outstanding businesses and individuals who elevate our community through leadership, innovation and impact. This newly reimagined experience brings together business owners, leaders and teams for an evening that celebrates success and inspires what’s next.

What’s new in 2026 

  • Simplified business award categories 
  • New individual recognition awards 
  • Legacy Leader Award elevated into this celebration 
  • Enhanced storytelling through video and live recognition 
  • A refreshed experience designed to reflect the impact being honored

The Awards reflect The Chamber’s mission to be a catalyst for growth and prosperity by honoring the people and organizations that make this region stronger. By celebrating excellence, we reinforce the values that drive opportunity, collaboration and long-term success across our metro.

Join business and community leaders for an evening of recognition, connection and celebration as we honor excellence across our region.


Award finalists and winners are selected by a panel of independent judges from the regional business community. Each award category has specific criteria that applicants must meet. 


AWARD CATEGORIES 

Business Awards 

Business of the Year 

Recognizes an established business demonstrating strong performance, effective leadership and meaningful impact on the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo region through sustained growth, operations and community contribution. 

Small Business of the Year 

Honors a small business that exemplifies excellence through sound management, resilience, positive workplace practices and contributions to the local economy and business community. 

Emerging Business of the Year 

Recognizes a newer or rapidly growing business that is gaining momentum, demonstrating innovation and building a strong foundation for long-term success. 

Nonprofit of the Year 

Honors a nonprofit organization that demonstrates mission-driven leadership, measurable impact and meaningful contributions to the community it serves. 

Community Choice Winner

Selected by the public to recognize a business or organization that has earned strong community support and positive recognition for its impact and engagement. 

Any business that has won in a particular category is not eligible to win again in that particular category for five years.

Individual Awards 

Rising Leader 

Recognizes individuals early in their leadership journeys who demonstrate initiative, professional growth and a growing impact within their organization and community.

Distinguished Leader 

Honors established leaders whose professional excellence, influence and contributions have strengthened their organization, industry or the broader region. 

Legacy Leader* 

Recognizes an individual whose lifetime of leadership and service has had a lasting and transformative impact on the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo community. *This individual is selected and announced prior to the event.


Time

  • 5:00 p.m. | Social hour with live music
  • 6:30 p.m. | Dinner
  • 7:00–8:30 p.m. | Program & Awards


Pricing

In-Person | $90 members | $100 not-yet-members

Day-of Registration | $100 members | $110 not-yet-members 

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Contact Information

FMWF Chamber of Commerce
Name: Amanda Susag
Phone: (701) 365-3437
Email: asusag@fmwfchamber.com
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