The New London Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated an unforgettable evening on April 9th as the Annual Awards Banquet welcomed a sold-out crowd of more than 350 attendees at Crystal Falls. The energy in the room was undeniable as business leaders, community members, and supporters gathered for a night dedicated to recognizing the people and organizations that make the New London area thrive.
Hosted by First State Bank, and made possible by the incredible support of sponsors, volunteers, and partners, the evening truly showcased the strength and spirit of our community. This year’s “Fab Fifties” theme brought a fun, nostalgic flair to the night, setting the tone for an event filled with laughter, connection, and celebration.
One of the standout moments of the evening was the Dessert Auction, which raised an impressive $5,600+ to support New London Senior Scholarships. The generosity in the room was inspiring and will have a meaningful impact on local students as they pursue their future goals.
The heart of the evening, of course, was honoring this year’s award recipients. Each individual and organization recognized has made a lasting contribution to our community:
- Chamber Service Award: Chad Hoerth
- Quality of Life Award: Cline & Hanson Funeral Home Inc.
- Community Service Award: May Festival
- Beautification Award: Hilker Warehousing LLC
- New Business of the Year: Harvey’s Restaurant
- Excellence in Innovation: Macaport, LLC
- Educator/School Personnel Award: Brian Mathu
- Business of the Year: Walker Family Veterinary Hospital
In addition, the Mayor presented Community Enhancement Awards to several deserving recipients, including Stalker Sports Floors, Northland Electrical Services, Skeeter Emergency Vehicles / EJ Metals, New London Clipper American Legion Baseball – Post 263, Lynn Tank, Tom Schmude, and Amazing Low Prices. Each of these honorees has played a unique role in strengthening and enhancing the New London community.
The evening was filled with powerful and heartfelt speeches that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance…uplifting, genuine, and truly unforgettable moments that reminded us all why this community is so special.
A huge thank you goes out to Events Everlasting and YO DJ for helping bring the vision to life and creating an atmosphere that many are already calling one of the best banquets ever. Make sure to check out our incredible photos done by Bastian Marketing.
From the décor to the awards, the laughter to the generosity, the 2026 Awards Banquet was a true celebration of community excellence. We are grateful to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make the night such a tremendous success, and we’re already looking forward to next year! SAVE THE DATE for April 8th, 2027 – Welcome to the Jungle!
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