The Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce had a banner year in 2025, during which 60 business-related events were hosted, the city’s summer celebration of Prior Lake Days showed significant growth and a fairly new staff became well-acclimated to promoting the local business community.
That was the message delivered by president Rebecca Scholz during the organization’s annual luncheon held Jan. 21 at the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club. She took on the top role in December of 2024.
Scholz also outlined several new Chamber offerings that will be introduced in 2026, including “Flavors of February,” a spring show, new resident mailings and a partnership package.
Dan Stanley, owner of Stanley-Wencl LLC Commercial Construction, is now serving as the 2026 board chair. He was preceded in that role by Kathy Young of eXp Realty.
Top businesses were honored for their service to the community and new board members were introduced. Several other Chamber awards were handed out during the program, including:
Kathy Boe of the “Think GREAT Foundation” was named “Ambassador of the Year” after visiting 32 local businesses in the previous year.
Stanley and Wencl picked up top honors in the “Business of the Year” category. Other nominees were Domier Chiropractic and Pottery by Holly.
Bill Zimbinski of Bell Bank Mortgage was named “Business Person of the Year.” Other nominees included:
- Tracy Bonney-Haenke, Scooter’s Coffee
- Dusty Brown, Laker Promotions
- Drew Brudevold, PAAR Sports and Promotions
- Nick Kelch, Edward Jones
- Dan Stanley, Stanley and Wencl LLC
The Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce office is located at 4785 Dakota Street. Use this link to learn more about upcoming events and its business members.
