BWCAW and Superior National Forest closures due to wildfires, along with decreased traffic from Canadian visitors, made for a challenging mid-summer for Cook County businesses. To help lift up its resilient workers and business leaders who are keeping the doors open, you can nominate your favorites for the annual Cook County Chamber Awards and the Heart of Hospitality Awards. Submissions are being accepted online at visitcookcounty.com through Monday, August 17.
Local businesses and frontline workers bore the brunt of the disruption when lightning started wildfires, forcing emergency closures across key entry points in the Boundary Waters and evacuations during peak mid-summer travel weeks. The region’s workforce once again proved its dedication under pressure.
According to its recent press release, “The Cook County Chamber Awards seek to honor individuals and organizations making a significant mark on the local economy and community fabric.”
The Chamber Business of the Year is awarded to a local entity that is making standout contributions to community prosperity. The Community Business Leader of the Year honors an individual whose civic and commercial leadership is leaving a lasting impact. The Entrepreneur of the Year recognizes innovative business owners building new ventures in the county. Finally, the Norman Deschampe Award celebrates extraordinary community service and regional leadership and is named in honor of the late Grand Portage Tribal Chairman.
The Heart of Hospitality Awards celebrate the essential frontline workers, including housekeepers, line cooks, desk agents, shuttle drivers, and wilderness guides who consistently go above and beyond for guests and neighbors alike.
The Annual Fall Gala, where all nominees and award winners will be celebrated, is Wednesday, September 23, at the Summit Chalet at Lutsen Mountains. The evening brings together business owners, tribal leaders, civic officials, and hospitality workers for a social hour, buffet dinner, and awards presentation overlooking the autumn canopy.
Full Category descriptions and online nomination forms are available directly on the Visit Cook County website (visitcookcounty.com). All nominees will be invited to attend the Annual Fall Gala at no expense. Nominees will be recognized, and there will be winners from each tourism community.
