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BEMIDJI 鈥� Six entrepreneurs and businesses received special recognition on Tuesday at the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce鈥檚 19th annual Awards of Excellence, receiving awards celebrating their innovation, workplace environment and impact on the community.

The awards, which are held each year at the Hampton Inn and Suites, recognize and celebrate local businesses and entrepreneurs that make Bemidji and the surrounding area great.

The most prestigious recognition awarded during the annual ceremony is the Charlie Naylor Lifetime Achievement Award, designed to celebrate the lifetime work of a business owner who has embodied the spirit of entrepreneurship and community.

This year, Owner Wayne Dondelinger received the award for his dedication to the community.

The event also served as a formal farewell to former Chamber Executive Director Abby Randall, who had been in the role since 2020, and a welcome to Scott Turn as the new executive director.

In her opening statements, Randall shared her gratitude for her time leading the chamber.

鈥淲e鈥檝e been through a lot together鈥� I will carry wonderful memories and so many cherished relationships as I embark on (my) new journey,鈥� she said to the audience.

Turn then took the stage and welcomed the audience, reaffirming his commitment to the chamber鈥檚 goals as its new director.

鈥淲hat won鈥檛 change (about the chamber) is our passion for local business, our commitment to advocating on issues impacting our business community and only measuring our success when (local businesses) are successful,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 look forward to working with each and every one of you.鈥�

The ceremony shifted to its true purpose soon after 鈥� celebrating local businesses, entrepreneurs and organizations for their work and success during the past year.

The winner of New Business of the Year was Merry Piglets, a gift shop located on Third Street in downtown Bemidji. Other nominees were Kin Asian Market and Latitude 218.

Paula Howard, who presented the award, shared the winning attributes of Merry Piglets with the audience.

鈥淢erry Piglets opened in September 2023 and offers a fresh approach to gift giving,鈥� she explained. 鈥淚t provides a fun and welcoming environment where everyone feels at home.鈥�

In addition to its unique and inviting atmosphere, Howard shared that Merry Piglets is also in the process of opening up an e-commerce store and partnering with Raphael鈥檚 Bakery for gift-giving.

Kevin Johnson of myBemidji was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year, with other nominees including Heidi Myhre, of Merry Piglets, Alicia and Justin Erickson, of and Ashley and Brian Putnam, owners of

Johnson was selected for his approach to business that promotes inclusiveness, innovation and collaboration, with room for humor and fun.

The winner of this year鈥檚 Healthy Workplace Award was Other nominees included and the Northwest Minnesota Foundation.

鈥淭his year鈥檚 winner has made a significant impact by fostering a work environment where every Affinity Plus employee feels a strong sense of belonging,鈥� explained Sanford Bemidji President Karla Eischens, who presented the award.

Among Affinity Plus鈥� initiatives are efforts to increase mental health awareness, receive employee feedback, encourage local volunteerism and create an environment that celebrates diversity and difference.

The award for community impact went to the with other nominees including Adult Day Services, Great River Rescue and

The shelter, which provides resources and emergency services to victims of domestic violence, was celebrated for its commitment to the Bemidji community and its work to save lives.

鈥淭he staff provides a deep, empathetic understanding of the domestic violence cycle and its impact on physical and mental health,鈥� shared Paul Bunyan Communication's Brian Bissonette, who presented the award. 鈥淭heir commitment is not only to provide shelter but long-term support within the community.鈥�

Northwoods Battered Women鈥檚 Shelter also recently broke ground for a new building, which will be better suited to its needs and the services it provides.

The Business of the Year Award went to Other nominees were and the

鈥淭he Design Store accomplished a lot this year, growing and expanding their team, moving to a stunning new location, discovering new products and services to offer the community, and becoming overall stronger as a company,鈥� explained Kelly La Venture, who presented the award.

The Design Store was celebrated for its progress and expansion during the last year, as well as for providing interior design services in rural Minnesota.

After Dondelinger received the Lifetime Achievement Award, a short video was played detailing his life and career.

Dondelinger, who was born in Brainerd, spent his early career in Colorado where he owned and operated a Ramada Inn. He moved back to Minnesota in 1974 when a chance came to own a car dealership in Bemidji.

Since then Dondelinger has expanded his business and become a staple in the community, supporting the United Way, Bemidji鈥檚 Rotary Clubs and St. Philip鈥檚 Catholic Church. All of these factors lead to his recognition on Tuesday.

Following this final award, the 19th annual Awards of Excellence came to a close, having celebrated local business success and recognized innovative and impactful businesses in the Bemidji area.