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Annual Meeting

A photo of the team from Cargill accepting the Large Company of the Year award
Cargill wins Large Business of the Year
The Children's Center wins Medium Business of the Year
Three Oak Vineyards and Winery wins Small Business of the Year

A Night of Celebration and Community at the 2025 Annual Meeting

The Albert Lea–Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club this week (Tuesday, October 21st) and it was an evening filled with recognition, connection, and community pride.

We were thrilled to honor outstanding local businesses for their contributions to our region’s growth and vitality. Cargill was named Large Business of the Year, The Children’s Center received Medium Business of the Year, and Three Oak Vineyards and Winery was recognized as Small Business of the Year. Their stories highlight what makes Freeborn County thrive — dedication, innovation, and deep community roots.

Additional honors included Kate Wheeldon of Cargill as Volunteer of the Year and Sandy Jensen as Ambassador of the Year. Outgoing staff member Jean Eaton was also celebrated for her years of service and dedication to our members and local businesses.

New Executive Director Valerie Lockhart shared her vision for the Chamber’s future, emphasizing the importance of connection and collaboration:

“Each company in this community has a story worth sharing. Our job is to make sure every member feels seen, supported, and celebrated.”

Some highlights of the evening were the incredible table-sponsor decorations from:

  • Alerus
  • Bent Tree North Wind Farm
  • Cargill
  • Design Ready Controls
  • Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative
  • Helping Hands Junk Removal
  • Horseshoe Solar Project (Arevon)
  • HyVee
  • Mayo Clinic Health Systems
  • Moose Lodge 1703
  • North Bridge Auto
  • St. John's Lutheran Community and Vintage Grove
  • STARS Mentoring Program
  • Wedgewood Cove

As well, the amazing spread of desserts were donated by Arevon, Horseshoe Solar, Hyvee, Perkins, and Whispering Oak Place Assisted Living and Memory Care, and the bottles of wine were donated by Cheers Liquor, Hyvee Wine & Spirits, Skyline Liquor, and Three Oak Vineyards and Winery for the Wine-Pull fundraiser.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our members, sponsors, and the community for joining us to celebrate another year of local leadership and success.

Together, we’re building a vibrant, connected, and forward-looking Freeborn County.

Thanks to photographer, Reverend Dr. Charles Alkula, you can check out even more photos of the evening here: