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Driving Dickinson County Celebrates Excellence at 2026 Best of the Best Awards

The 2026 Annual Gala & Best of the Best Awards brought together more than 200 community leaders, business owners, nonprofit partners, and residents at Sand Springs Venue for an evening celebrating excellence across Dickinson County. With 76 nominees spanning 11 award categories, the sold-out event recognized the individuals, organizations, and businesses helping move the region forward. For Driving Dickinson County, the evening represented more than recognition — it reflected momentum.


A Night of Energy and Direction

For CEO Natalie Muruato, the Gala marked her first as leader of the organization. “The energy in the room was unmistakable,” Muruato said. “It signaled a community that is engaged, collaborative, and proud of the work happening across Dickinson County. Events like the Best of the Best Awards don’t just celebrate success — they reinforce our shared commitment to long-term economic growth. When we recognize excellence publicly, we strengthen visibility, confidence, and momentum for our region.”

Board Chair Kenny Roelofsen echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the broader significance of recognition. “Publicly honoring businesses and community leaders matters,” Roelofsen said. “The caliber of this year’s nominees and recipients speaks volumes about the strength of our local business climate. When private business, nonprofit organizations, and community partners work together, that collaboration drives sustainable growth.”

In addition to honoring award recipients, the evening marked a milestone for the organization with the unveiling of the refreshed Driving Dickinson County brand identity. The updated logo reflects the region’s forward direction and collaborative spirit as the organization continues strengthening economic development efforts across the county. “This wasn’t just about modernizing a logo,” said Jackie Hynes, Events & Marketing Director. “It was about visually capturing who we are and where we’re headed. Driving Dickinson County means driving in the right direction — intentionally, collaboratively, and with purpose.” 

Learn more about the vision behind the refreshed brand identity here.


Business of the Year: Almost Home Realty

Almost Home Realty was named 2025 Business of the Year, an honor owner Shelly Crane described as both humbling and deeply meaningful.


“This recognition reflects far more than individual achievement,” Crane said. “It represents the trust, relationships, and support that have been built throughout our community.” Crane emphasized that real estate is ultimately about people — families choosing to live, work, and invest in Dickinson County. “Every home purchase or sale represents someone choosing to build their future here,” she said. “We view this recognition not as a finish line, but as encouragement to continue raising the standard of service and helping our community grow.” 


Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Chris Krenzin

Chris Krenzin, owner of 7-Ate-5, was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

“I’m incredibly honored,” Krenzin said. “This award belongs to every customer who has trusted us and every person in this community who continues to support local. It’s an honor to serve Dickinson County.”


Best Non-Profit/Government Organization: The Hope Center

The Hope Center was recognized as Best Non-Profit / Government Organization. Executive Director Cindy Whittington described the award as something much deeper than public recognition. “It means our families are being seen,” Whittington said. “The single mom fighting for her kids. The dad in recovery rebuilding trust. The volunteers answering late-night calls. This award confirms that love in action matters.”

Whittington emphasized the role nonprofits play in long-term economic stability. “Nonprofits are not just about charity — they’re about stability,” she said. “Economic strength is built when families are supported instead of starting over. When nonprofits are supported, communities are steadier, families are stronger, and economic opportunity becomes something more people can actually reach.”

She also noted that collaboration across Dickinson County remains central to their mission. “No single organization can meet every need,” Whittington said. “But when schools, churches, businesses, law enforcement, and fellow nonprofits work together, families are surrounded. Transformation doesn’t happen in isolation — it happens when a whole county decides restoration is worth investing in.”


Celebrating Storefront Excellence

Wildflowers was named Best Storefront, a recognition the team described as both exciting and humbling.

“We could not be more excited for this achievement,” the team shared. “We are honored to be recognized for the hard work we’ve put in over the past two years. We truly love this small community and are so thankful for all the support.” 


2025 Best of the Best Award Recipients

The following businesses and individuals were recognized at the 2026 Annual Gala:

View the full line-up of nominees, winners and event highlights here.


A Community Moment

Guests throughout the evening described the Gala as more than an awards ceremony.


“It was a special evening,” said attendee Natalie Wood. “The rebrand looks great.”


For Events & Marketing Director Jackie Hynes, the atmosphere reflected something larger than celebration.


“The energy in the room was a powerful reminder of what it means to be Driving Dickinson County,” Hynes said. “When businesses, nonprofits, and leaders show up to support one another, that’s how we continue moving in the right direction.”


An Evening Made Possible by Community Partners

The success of the 2026 Annual Gala was made possible through the support of community partners and sponsors. Guests enjoyed dinner prepared by Lucinda’s Katering, live entertainment from the Renaissance Jazz Group, and event photography by Michela Brown.

Don’s Tire also contributed to the evening’s creative décor by donating and delivering the truck tires featured throughout the event setup — a fitting visual element that reinforced the Driving Dickinson County theme.

Entertainment for the evening was sponsored by Twin Valley, and Holm Automotive served as Bar Sponsor.

Together, their partnership helped create an atmosphere worthy of celebrating the very best of Dickinson County.


Looking Ahead

As Driving Dickinson County continues building partnerships, supporting business retention and expansion, and advancing strategic community branding efforts, the 2026 Gala underscored a shared commitment to collaboration and growth.



“This year’s event reinforced that Dickinson County is not standing still,” Muruato said. “We are building, investing, and moving forward — together.”


 
 
 

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