Kilkarney Hills Golf & Event Center came alive Monday, Feb. 16 with the 50’s themed Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner, where the Best of 2026 awards were announced.

The theme recognized the nostalgia of days gone by, said Chamber Director Kim Beebe, when Main Streets were always bustling, people shopped locally, banking was done in person and everyone knew all the shopkeepers in town.

“Even though the 50s seem like a long time ago, we still have that great energy in Ellsworth,” said Beebe.

Board President Barry Cain spoke of “The Rhythm of a Strong Community.” He announced almost 200 people were in attendance at the dinner.

“Strong communities don’t just happen,” Cain said.

They take leadership, the desire to work together, to show up for each other and to believe in what can be achieved.

He outlined highlights of the past year, including a new Chamber website, welcome kits for new community members, the Summer Fun Series in East End Park, the rebirth of the Cheese Wedge Golf Open and the Cheese Curd Festival making the USA Today Top10 List of Festivals. The Chamber also added 19 new members, advocated in Madison at the Capitol, brought attention to the need for affordable housing in Ellsworth and built partnerships across the community.

“As an Ellsworth native, I always hated it when I heard ‘it’s just Ellsworth,’” Cain said, which invited inaction and complacency. “Leadership is not easy and the pathways to criticize leadership are all too prevalent. It’s not easy.”

Before awards took the spotlight, attendees elected the following officers to the board: Barry Cain of SF Insurance (president), Trent Nyhus of Farmers Insurance (vice president), Raynee Farrell of CCF Bank (treasurer), Matt Anderson of C3 Church (past president), and directors Micke O’Connell of O’Connell Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services and Athony Drummond of Kaufhold’s Kurds.

Awards

Beebe said the “Best of” awards are always fun because the community gets involved by voting for their favorites. Thousands voted for the following Best of 2026 awards:

Best New Business – Amma’s Pies

Best Restaurant/Bar/Tavern – Broz Bar

Best Tourism Destination – Vino in the Valley

Best Health & Wellness – Country Fit

Best Professional Home Service – Reuvers’ Nursery

Best Professional Service – Marlee’s Bake Shop

Best Retail Shopping – Waltz Ace Hardware

Best Nonprofit Organization – Ellsworth Public Library

Best Customer Service – River Road Coffee

Small Business of the Year – Thirsty Badger

The Thirsty Badger is owned by a group of friends who purchased the former Century Saloon in downtown Ellsworth: Ken and Amy Christiansen, Gene and Andrea Benck, Brent and Mary Spriggle, Marc and Ronna Johnson, Dennis and Bridget Armbruster and Tom Holdorf.

“Much like the familiar feel of the show ‘Cheers,’ The Thirsty Badger had built a reputation as a place where everyone knows your name,” the award description reads. “It’s a comfortable, friendly space where locals gather, connect and celebrate together.”

The owners have refurbished the building’s façade, added a back patio, refresh the window boxes with décor for every season and add to the welcoming downtown.

Large Business of the Year – O’Connell Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services

O’Connell Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services opened its first location in Hudson 100 years ago in 1926. The company has expanded to five locations across the region, including Ellsworth in 2017.

“In recent years, the organization has endured the exhausting demands of the Covid-19 pandemic,” the awards description reads. “In 2025, the Ellsworth location faced an additional challenge when a major construction project closed the street directly in front of the business for several months, significantly impacting traffic flow and parking access. Despite these obstacles, the team remained steady, accessible and fully dedicated to serving the community without interruption.”

“Our team is invited into people’s lives for moments that were never planned,” said Mike O’Connell. “What makes us deserving of this award is the amazing team that provides unparalleled service. We provide a safe and steady place when people feel like their world is falling apart.”

Community Member of the Year – St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity

St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity and its many dedicated volunteers were recognized for their impact on housing, stability and opportunity in Ellsworth.
“In a community where affordable housing is a growing need, the organization took an ambitious and creative project by purchasing an unusual lot near Ellsworth Middle School, transforming it into two single family home and two twin homes, creating a total of six new housing units.”

Through the Rock the Block: Elevate Ellsworth initiative, in collaboration with the Ellsworth High School Day of Service, Habitat guided volunteers for three days doing home repairs and neighborhood improvements on eight properties, strengthening community connections and collaboration.

Habitat also provides financial training and guidance for people pursuing homeownership. The award recognizes not only Habitat’s leadership, but the many churches, volunteers and businesses whose generosity and commitment strengthen families, neighborhoods and the village itself.

Habitat plans to tackle more projects in Ellsworth, including 17 acres on the south end of town.

To learn more about the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce, visit ellsworthchamber.com