Thank you to everyone who made the Annual Celebration a wonderful evening of food, drinks and community. 2024 was an incredible year for the Brookings area business community and the Chamber. We welcomed 315 attendees who helped us celebrate growth, leadership and connection. This past year, we welcomed 46 new members, led 28 young professional graduates of our Leadership Brookings program, and connected with 15 SDSU students who just wrapped up the 2^nd year of Work Ready Bootcamp.

A special thank you to Craft Chophouse & Lounge, Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge, Shorty’s Hot Box, Sodexo, Valley Restaurant & Catering, Wooden Legs Brewing Co. and Wyshbone Market who prepared delicious entrees and desserts!

The People’s Choice Awards: given by popular vote

• People’s Choice Entrée - SDSU Catering by Sodexo: Chesapeake gold crab cakes served on a toasted bun with zest remoulade
• People’s Choice Dessert - Craft Chophouse & Lounge: salted caramel cheesecake parfait

Golden Fork & Silver Spoon Awards: given by a panel of judges

Kyle and Jay Bender – Falcon Plastics

Kirsten Gjesdal – The Carrot Seed/Downtown Brookings

Katelyn and Nate Condelli – Mosaic Wine Bar

Heidi Anshutz (served as the host) – Mills Property Management

• Golden Fork Award - SDSU Catering by Sodexo: Chesapeake gold crab cakes served on a toasted bun with zest remoulade
• Silver Spoon Award - The Valley Restaurant & Catering: caramel apple crisp

We also recognized two outstanding leaders within the Brookings community, the Ambassador of the Year and Young Professional of the Year. The Ambassador Committee is made up of dedicated individuals who are truly invested in connecting and building lasting relationships with fellow Chamber Member businesses. You'll find our Chamber Ambassadors throughout the community at Ribbon Cuttings and visiting businesses! They serve as friendly faces, ready to welcome event attendees to Chamber events. Ambassadors are also knowledgeable Chamber members who can provide insight on why they chose to join and what membership does for their business.

Meridith exemplifies what it means to be an Ambassador of the Chamber. Meridith Weiland made it a priority to attend many ribbon cuttings this past year, and she took time to connect with the business owners at each event, asking questions and learning about their operations. She is a great supporter of the Brookings area business community and has a thorough understanding of what Chamber membership has to offer. She also serves on the Women in Leadership Committee. Meridith, thank you for your time and smiling face at so many of our events this past year!

The Young Professional of the Year award recognizes an exceptional young professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and commitment to their field and community.

Kesmond Willert has distinguished himself through his outstanding work as the Marketing and Public Relations Representative for Bowes Construction. Kesmond is a strong example of a young professional who is not only excelling in his career but also playing a key role in driving progress and community engagement across Brookings. Within his workplace, Kesmond leads by example with a strong work ethic, professionalism, and a passion for storytelling that highlights the impact of his team’s work across the region.

Outside of the office, Kesmond is deeply committed to the growth and vitality of our community. He currently serves as the Chair of Connect Brookings, where he helps shape programs that support young professionals, SDSU Students, and New Residents. He’s also an active Chamber Ambassador, regularly welcoming new businesses and building strong relationships that support local success. Kesmond plays an important role on the SDSU Student Engagement Committee, helping bridge the gap between students and the Brookings business community to encourage young talent to stay and thrive here.

As his nominator shares, “Kesmond’s leadership, dedication, and drive to better the Brookings community is evident in everything he does. He doesn’t just show up—he steps up.” Whether he’s contributing to strategic conversations through his work with Vision Brookings and EBBIA or helping fellow professionals find their place in our community, Kesmond is a role model for what it means to lead with intention, humility, and heart.

A huge thank you goes to our Platinum sponsor, Falcon Plastics, and our other sponsors who contributed to this event. Special thanks to the Brookings FCCLA students for volunteering by cleaning tables and serving the judges’ room and Performance Food Service for providing the plates. We could not have done it without our committee members, staff, volunteers and board members!