Each year at the annual dinner the Carlisle Chamber recognizes the Business, the Citizen, the Employee and the Friend of Education of the Year. This event is attended by Chamber members and Carlisle citizens who want to celebrate many successes. Each year nominations open in mid October and run through early December. The awards are given out in January at the Carlisle Chamber Annual Dinner.
Business of the Year
The Business of the Year award is given to a Chamber business that has demonstrated active involvement in the community and in the Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce. This business is then highlighted at the Annual Chamber Dinner and given the Business of the Year Award.
Please submit nominations by December 6th.
2025 Winner
The Carlisle Citizen
Previous Business of the Year Winners
2008 – Carlisle Community School
2009 – General Mills
2010 – James Oil Company
2011 – Carlisle Center for Wellness & Rehabilitation
2012 – Fiss’
2013 – etc!graphics, inc.
2014 – Sandstone Management
2015 – Carlisle Veterinary Clinic
2016 – LaVilla Restaraunt
2017 – Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Clinic
2018 – Peoples Bank
2019 – 21st Century Rehab
2020 – Cyber Solutions
2021 – Medicap Pharmacy
2022 – Des Moines River Dental Care
2023 – Wildcat ABC and United Methodist Church
2024 – Carlisle Public Library
2025 – The Carlisle Citizen
Citizen of the Year
The Citizen of the Year award is given to a Citizen of Carlisle that has demonstrated active involvement in the community. This citizen has also made a significant contribution to the improvement of the entire community outside of their chosen profession. This Citizen will be awarded The Citizen of the Year Award at the Carlisle Chamber Annual Dinner.
Please submit nominations by December 6th.
2025 Winner
Denny Woodruff
Previous Citizen of the Year Winners
2005 – Al & Melinda Huisinga
2006 – Pat Brehse
2007 – Bud Schrier
2008 – Kayla Price
2009 – Rosemary Fee
2010 – Lois Lane
2011 – Joe Schettler
2012 – Peggy Fogle
2013 – Scott James
2014 – Sally Snyder
2015 – Dr. Micheal and Dietre McCormick
2016 – Kristin Johnson
2017 – Ruth Randleman
2018 – Ronda Frost
2019 – Kay Peck
2020 – Barry Highland
2021 – Chris “Pokey” Furnal
2022 – Tommy Thompson
2023 – Mike Killen
2024 – Jim Goodhue
2025 – Denny Woodruff
Employee of the Year
The Employee of the Year award is given to an Employee that demonstrates the work ethics, exemplary effort and special qualities that have contributed to the success of a local business. Recognizing an Employee that provides excellent service with a positive attitude and regularly goes above and beyond required responsibilities. This Employee will be awarded The Employee of the Year Award at the Carlisle Chamber Annual Dinner.
Please submit nominations by December 6th.
2025 Winner
Zack Enos
With Fareway
Previous Employee of the Year Winners
2015 – Brent Theis
2016 – Kay Black
2017 – Dave Sigmund
2018 – Martha Becker
2019 – Sgt. Dave Larson
2020 – Tony Rhinehart
2021 – Claude Sampson
2022 – Nate Kellogg
2023 – Martha DeJoode, Carlisle Veterinary Clinic
2024 – Justin Wyckoff, Goodhue-Nolte Insurance
2025 – Zack Enos, Fareway
Friend of Education Award
The Friend of Education award is decided by the Carlisle School District and is given to Individuals who demonstrate Character, Service and Excellence in Everything they do. These individuals will be awarded The Friend of Education of the Year Award at the Carlisle Chamber Annual Dinner.
2025 Winner
Denny Woodruff
Previous Friend of Education of the Year Winners
2006 – Christy Light
2007 – Tammy Guenther
2008 – Mike Ermler
2009 – Lori Candee
2010 – Jen Rowray
2011 – Jay and Rachel Hagedorns
2012 – Rod Smith
2013 – Police Chief Jason Doll
2014 – Sally Snyder
2015 – Tom Thiel
2016 – Dave Reese and Al Moreland
2017 – Marianne Crall
2018 – Kirk Glawe
2019 – Darin & Morgan Endecott
2021 – Dr. Pamela Goode
2022 – Matt & Gay Laughlin
2023 – Stephany & Casey Goodhue
2024 – Jack Cooper
2025 – Denny Woodruff