We are delighted to announce the Watertown Chamber's 109th Annual Celebration & Dessert Auction, set to take place on October 17, 2024, at the Watertown Event Center. This event promises to be a night of celebration and enjoyment, offering a wonderful end to the year and a look ahead to future successes.
This year's event and auction format has been updated to enhance your experience. Join us on a new night - Thursday! - for an evening filled with heavy hors d’oeuvres from local favorites, delectable desserts, and lively musical entertainment by Dueling Duo.
The event will feature TEN live auction items, each with a minimum retail value of $1,000. These items will be co-sponsored by businesses donating $500 or more, with packages arranged by our Chamber staff.
If your business prefers to arrange its own package or contribute a lower amount, you can opt to participate in the silent auction. This year’s silent auction will be hosted using paper bid cards, and we suggest a minimum retail value of $250 for these items.
If your businesses is interested in sponsoring the event, but skipping the auction portion, there are several other opportunities to sponsor fundraisers throughout the event. Previous
years have featured Corks & Cash, How Sweet It Is, and the Bourbon Pull.
To participate in the Annual Celebration & Dessert Auction as a sponsor, please complete the Dessert Auction Sponsor Form and return it to the Watertown Chamber or ashley@watertownsd.com by September 16, 2024, to reserve your spot.
In addition to the auction, We are seeking nominations for the following annual awards:
• Businessman of the Year
• Businesswoman of the Year
• Rookie Business of the Year
• Spirit of Watertown
Please submit your nominations, accompanied by a short summary explaining why your nominee deserves recognition, to coc@watertownsd.com. Top three nominees will be informed of their potential award, which will be announced at the Annual Celebration on October 17.
Tickets to this exciting evening are available for $70 + tax online at watertownsd.com on September 1, 2024. Reserved tables are available for parties of eight or more.
The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for the Annual Celebration & Dessert Auction. Nominations may be as long or short as is necessary and sent via email to coc@watertownsd.com or dropped off at the Chamber Office at 1 East Kemp Ave.
Businessman & Businesswoman of the Year – The Businessman and Businesswoman of the year are the toughest to decide. This is why we need your help. Sometimes we see and hear all the good things that happen publicly, whether on social media or local media, but we are certain there are many business people that go unrecognized outside of their organization. We want to recognize these business people at the Awards Banquet during the Annual Celebration & Dessert Auction.
Businesswoman Past Winners:
Jill Fuller 2013
Deb Shepard 2014
Luann Strait 2015
Chris Carter 2016
Doris Wilkey 2017
Lis Christianson 2018
Dr. Melanie Weiss 2019
Missy Sinner 2020
Mindy Wirkus 2021
Brian Brandreit 2022
Jordan Wollschlager 2023
Businessman Past Winners:
Don Roby 2013
Joel Vockrodt 2014
Glen Vilhauer 2015
Jim Seuer 2016
Eric Skott 2017
Travas Uthe 2018
Chris Schilken 2019
Loren Diekman 2020
Neal Tapio 2021
Carole Anderson 2022
Shawna Shelton 2023
Spirit of Watertown Award – When you think spirit, you may think of someone screaming into a megaphone at a pep rally. Maybe. Sometimes, but more often than not, that person does even more quietly than they do publicly. We need your help seeking nominations for this prestigious award. This award may or may not be tied to something they have done in their business, but more of what they have done for the community of Watertown. We all know a couple of these people or organizations. Tell us who you feel is most deserving of the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Watertown Award.
Past Winners:
Mike Luken 2011
Dan Albertson 2012
Scott & Jodi Driscoll 2013
Joy Nelson 2014
Jim Mahowald 2015
Melissa Herrboldt 2017
Lions Club 2018
Watertown Area Community Foundation 2019
Mike Hartshorn 2020
Josh Weyh 2021
Kristen Henderson 2022
Kim Bellum 2023
Rookie Business of the Year – Is there a business you believe has earned the title of Rookie Business of the Year? Do they have top notch customer service, friendly staff, AND care about the Watertown community? Tell us everything about your nomination: what makes them remarkable and worthy of this award.
Past Winners:
Watertown Brewing Company 2016
Harry’s 2017
Gather 2018
Coteau Chic Boutique 2019
Maxwell Food Equipment 2020
AMJ Style 2021
Labbie’s Sports Bar & Grill 2022
Happy Tails K-9 Training
Ambassador of the Year – The Ambassador of the Year represents and promotes the Chamber in a positive manner, with professionalism and assists in fostering meaningful, long-lasting relationships. They speak highly and advocate for the Chamber, and actively participate in Chamber activities.
Past Winners:
Juli Richter 2022
Shannon Bleeker 2023... More >><< Less