THE GOLDEN STANDARD — Celebrating Those Who Set the Bar Higher
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the DCR Chamber Business Excellence Awards Gala, presented by Flint Hills Resources, as we celebrate the businesses, leaders, and organizations that are making a difference and setting the bar higher throughout Dakota County.
This gala brings together business and community leaders for an evening filled with celebration, connection, inspiration, and recognition. Come enjoy an elegant dinner, hear inspiring success stories, celebrate this year’s award recipients, and connect with fellow Chamber members and community leaders.
Gala Highlights
- Elegant dinner and evening reception
- Business Excellence Awards presentation
- Inspiring stories celebrating local impact
- Networking with business and community leaders
- Dessert Dash Fundraiser
- Black & gold attire encouraged—come dressed to shine!
- Keep the celebration going afterwards at Casper's Cherokee of Eagan
Thursday, November 5, 2026
6:00–9:30 PM
Royal Cliff Event Center | Eagan, MN
Calling for Nominations
Who Sets the Golden Standard in Our Community?
Help us celebrate the businesses, leaders, and organizations that are setting the bar higher throughout Dakota County! Nominate an outstanding:
- Business Excellence Award(s)
- DCR Regional Workforce Champion recipient
- Nonprofit of the Year
- Emerging Leader of the Year recipient
- Legacy Award recipient
Know someone making a difference? Nominate them today! You may submit nominations in as many categories as you’d like—just complete a separate nomination form for each entry. Nominations close Friday, September 18, 2026.
Dessert Dash – Back by Popular Demand!
Everyone loves a sweet ending! Our Dessert Dash returns as a fun and interactive part of the evening while helping support the DCR Chamber and its initiatives. Interested in donating a dessert? Contact Kayla at khudson@dcrchamber.com to learn more.
Golden Raffle: Your Chance to Win Big!
Add a little extra excitement to your evening at the Business Excellence Awards with our Golden Raffle! Choose your favorite prize package, purchase your golden raffle tickets, and enter for a chance to win an unforgettable experience.
EARLY-BIRD SPECIAL: 5 GOLDEN RAFFLE TICKETS FOR $100!
Take advantage of this special pricing before the event! The early-bird offer is available through the day before the event. Once event day arrives, regular pricing applies, so get your tickets early and save!
Six incredible packages. Six chances to take home something special!
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A Night Away — Hotel stay paired with a restaurant gift card.
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Minnesota Twins — Game tickets paired with a restaurant gift card.
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Minnesota Vikings — Game tickets paired with a restaurant gift card.
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Minnesota Timberwolves — Game tickets paired with a restaurant gift card.
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St. Paul Saints — Game tickets paired with a restaurant gift card.
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Minnesota Wild — Game tickets paired with a restaurant gift card.
Here’s how it works: Purchase golden raffle tickets and place them in the basket for the prize package you want to win. Want a shot at more than one prize? Spread your tickets across multiple baskets or put them all toward your favorite!
The more tickets you buy, the more chances you have to win. Winners will be announced during the evening, so get ready to try your luck!
Enjoy the celebration, support the DCR Chamber, and take home a little golden excitement!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Want to be part of this premier celebration? Sponsorship opportunities are available and provide businesses with an opportunity to showcase their brand and support excellence throughout our business community. Contact Jane at jbachul@dcrchamber.com to learn more.
Don’t miss Dakota County’s premier business celebration.
Reserve your seat and join us for The Golden Standard!
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