A Night for Vermillion
The VCDC Annual Celebration is Vermillion's premier business event of the year. It's a night to celebrate the many businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs that make the Vermillion area a great place for commerce.
We recognize the best Vermillion has to offer with the VCDC Awards, a coveted suite of honors given to the people and organizations that have demonstrated remarkable commitment to the community. The awards include the Vermillion NEXT Young Professional of the Year Award, United Way Volunteer of the Year Award, Mayor's Community Service Award, Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award, Family-Owned Business of the Year Award, Chamber Member of the Year Award, and Community Leader of the Year Award. In addition to the VCDC Awards, we also present the Brick Awards, small honors recognizing the many businesses that have opened, expanded, or purchased and continued operations of a business or organization during the year.
The Annual Celebration features a social hour with live music, complimentary dinner, presentations from Vermillion locals, and the awards ceremony. Plus, get your picture taken at the photobooth by professional photographer Aaron Packard! Individual tickets and tables seating eight are available for purchase.
April 9, 2026
Sanford Coyote Sports Center
5 p.m.
Set a reminder
Past award winners
- Community Leader of the Year – Rachel Olson
- Chamber Member of the Year – Nick Slattery
- Family-Owned Business of the Year – Coffee Cup
- Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award – Luis Abundes (Mamacita's)
- Mayor’s Award for Community Service – Heidi & Blaine Schollerman (Bunyan’s)
- United Way Volunteer of the Year – Sara Lampert
- Vermillion NEXT Young Professional of the Year – Hanna DeLange
- President's Award – Gayle Bliss
- Community Leader of the Year – John Walker
- Chamber Member of the Year – Gregg & Nikki Peters
- Family-Owned Business of the Year – Mart Bros. Construction
- Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award – XIX Brewing Company
- Mayor’s Award for Community Service –David Herbster
- United Way Volunteer of the Year – Deb Christensen
- Vermillion NEXT Young Professional of the Year – Taylor Kathol
- Community Leader of the Year – Scott Pohlson
- Chamber Member of the Year – Premier Real Estate
- Family-Owned Business of the Year – Pressing Matters
- Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award – Mike & Jen Phelan
- Mayor’s Award for Community Service –Sandy Aakre
- United Way Volunteer of the Year – Judy Zwolak
- Vermillion NEXT Young Professional of the Year – Katey Ulrich
- Community Leader of the Year – Curt Nelson
- Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award – Leslie Gerrish
- Mayor’s Award for Community Service –David Lias
- United Way Volunteer of the Year – Kathy Chandler
- Vermillion NEXT Young Professional of the Year – Collin Lind
More Chamber Events
Golf Social
A summer favorite! Go head to head with other Chamber members at our annual golf tournament. Gather your team of four and hit the links for a fun day full of golf, games, and prizes.
Harvest Celebration
Join the VCDC in celebrating all of the farmers, ranchers, and ag producers that contribute to the region. Held every year on the second floor of Old Lumber Company Grill & Bar.
Annual Meeting
Your yearly VCDC recap. Learn all about what we've been up to over the past year, including info on finances, economic development efforts, membership, and tourism activities.