Annual Banquet
A Night in Full Bloom is the Chamber’s premier annual gathering—an elevated awards banquet recognizing leadership, innovation, community impact, and the essential role of agribusiness in our region’s growth. We are delighted to invite you to the 57th Annual Chamber Award Banquet. Join us for an elegant evening inspired by the charm of a Southern spring garden as we celebrate the people, partners, and businesses who help Norfolk thrive.
The Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce 57th Annual Award Banquet will be held on April 9, 2026.
Share in the growth of our Community and the excitement for the new year!
Surrounded by fresh florals, soft spring hues, and the spirit of community, we look forward to an evening that celebrates the growth, connection, and success that make Norfolk truly special.
This year, in keeping with our Southern Garden Party theme, we are enhancing the experience with a grazing-style menu featuring charcuterie and curated bites. Guests are invited to enjoy the evening at their own pace—visiting the food stations, refilling their plates, and mingling throughout the celebration.
This year’s banquet will feature a Southern Garden Party atmosphere with a grazing-style menu, creating a relaxed and elegant setting to connect, celebrate, and reflect on the growth of our business community.

Guest Speaker
Dr. Kim Thor
Bravery in Business
57th Annual Chamber Award Banquet –
April, 9, 2026 | 5:00 P.M.
Midtown Event Center
1102 Riverside Blvd
Tickets on sale now
Norfolk Oscar Award Winners
Honor Norfolk personalities who have made an outstanding impact on the community.
| 2026 | Dave Copple |
| 2025 | Russ Wilcox |
| 2024 | Mayor Josh Moenning |
| 2023 | Kent Warneke |
| 2022 | Earl & Marilyn Mitchell |
| 2021 | All Area Medical Facilities |
See More Past Oscar Winners
| 2020 | Joe Ferguson |
| 2019 | Lee Klein |
| 2018 | Dr. Michael Chipps |
| 2017 | Lori & Scott Williams |
| 2016 | Mayor Sue Fuchtman |
| 2015 | Stan Staab |
| 2014 | J. Paul McIntosh |
| 2013 | Mike Flood |
| 2012 | Home Builders Association |
| 2011 | Dirk Petersen |
| 2010 | Norfolk First Responders |
| 2009 | Fred Otten & John Dinkel |
| 2008 | Dr. Bill Path |
| 2007 | Donna Herrick |
| 2006 | Connie Geary |
| 2005 | Mike Renken |
| 2004 | Randy Nelson |
| 2003 | Mary VossClayton Andrews |
| 2002 | Webb McNally |
| 2001 | Bill Gipson |
| 2000 | Diane Heppne |
| 1999 | Bernie Tremain |
| 1998 | Cindy Gipson – Stan Staab – Kent Warneke |
| 1997 | Peg Timmer |
| 1996 | Grant Arment Marie Rave |
| 1995 | Dick Cross |
| 1994 | Paul Piester |
| 1993 | Caorline Brown |
| 1992 | Roger Shaffer |
| 1991 | Marlene Blakman |
| 1990 | John & Connie Day, LaVitsef, Dennis Collins |
| 1989 | Johhny Carson Guy StinsonJim Kubik |
| 1988 | Fran Shapiro Les Chaffin William Bridge |
| 1987 | Mayor Carl Maltas |
| 1986 | Mike Nolan Dave Domina Margaret Robinson |
| 1985 | Bill Eddy Faye Gordon Dr. Tom Surber |
| 1984 | Jerry ArkfeldSteve OltmansLouis Whitmore |
| 1983 | Jo Bendin Ed Jurd Wally Truex |
| 1982 | Darrel Dudley Clarence Isaacson Paul Terry |
| 1981 | Bill Rosenthal Morrie Olsen Paul Terry |
| 1980 | Jim Mink, Sr. Roy RobertsonLucky Waugh |
| 1979 | Diane Bridge Maddie Pedersen Dave Wells |
| 1978 | Dr. Robert CoxFred Fletcher, Sr. Cleo Shaw |
| 1977 | Earl Smith Marie Huck Ben Thornton |
| 1976 | Jean Wolfe Mary Wright Jack Krueger |
| 1975 | Mayor James Miller Allen BurkhardtMaynard Howard |
| 1974 | Leo Ringer Warren CookBerle Geckel |
| 1973 | Forrest SwobodaBernard DeLay |
| 1972 | Cec Emrich Alma Wickman |
| 1971 | Mayor Ed Vrzal |
| 1970 | Dave AndersonJohn Grossman |
| 1969 | Ed Sharpiro |
Thank You to Our Partners
Gold Level


Silver Level

Bronze Level
NE Central Railroad
ONE Office
Beckenhauer Construction
Deets Furniture
Nucor
Applied Connective Technologies
Homestead Assisted Living
WJAG/97.5 KEXL/106KIX
Norfolk Daily News
Edward Jones
Farmer’s Pride
Blossom & Birch
Norfolk Noon Rotary
Awards Partner
Wayne State College
Dinkel’s
ALLO
Northwest Electric
Copple Rockey Attorneys
Entertainment Partners
Norfolk Iron & Metal
Eakes Office Solutions
Dessert Partners
McMill CPAs & Advisors
Hiland Dairy
Carhart Lumber
Black Hills Energy
Aventure Staffing
FNBO
Midwest Music Center
Mutual of Omaha
Premiere Team Real Estate
Riddles Jewelry
50 Year Legacy

Credit Bureau of Norfolk Renner’s Cleaning Services










