March 6, 2026
The Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce recognized the Ahrens Park Foundation as the 2026 Business of the Year at this year’s Annual Celebration, which took place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The event was sponsored by Mahaska Communication Group and Grinnell College. Over 130 business professionals joined the Grinnell Chamber for the evening’s festivities.
The Grinnell Chamber’s Annual Celebration recognizes outstanding businesses, organizations and individuals in a variety of award categories.
In addition to naming the Ahrens Park Foundation as the 2026 Business of the Year, the Chamber recognized other businesses and organizations during the event.
Retailer/Restaurant of the Year: From shuttering its doors nearly 25 years ago to building a unique comeback story, this business has weathered many challenges. Over the past year, the Strand 3 Theatre has exhibited exemplary customer service and excellence in its industry, by way of offering first-rate films and delicious concessions. The Strand 3 Theatre has accomplished many projects, from pushing for large employers to support bulk ticket sales to garnering support for their beloved merchant series. They also launched Showtime Specials — a promotion geared towards supporting local restaurants — ultimately driving traffic to downtown and fellow businesses. (The Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation is part owner of the Strand Theatre, LLC and Julie Gosselink has served as a managing partner for 25 years.)
This year’s awards were designed and created by Brobst Signs by Design, a new vendor at the Grinnell Farmers Market. The design incorporated the winged lions which adorn the front of the Louis Sullivan Jewel Box Bank building, which is home to the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the Grinnell Chamber also presented on their 2026 initiatives and presented a year in review video highlighting the Chamber’s work in the past year.
The award winner videos and year in review video are now live on the Grinnell Chamber website, https://www.grinnellchamber.org/news/awardwinners2026/, and on their Youtube channel, @grinnelliowa. For more information on other Chamber events and initiatives, visit the Chamber website, www.grinnellchamber.org, or call the Grinnell Chamber office at 641-236-6555.
Photo credit to Grinnell College student Meilynn Smith ’26
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About the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce
The Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce is an independent, 501©6 non-profit organization focused on the Grinnell community. The mission of the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce is to support development and growth of its members, help advance economic growth, and foster community vitality. For more information on how to join the Chamber or get involved, please visit grinnellchamber.org or call 641-236-6555.
