2026 Excellence in Business Award Luncheon

Nominations for the 2026 Excellence in Business Awards! 

We are excited to welcome Shari Ballard, Chief Executive Officer of Minnesota United FC, as the featured speaker at the MetroNorth Chamber Excellence in Business Awards Luncheon on March 26.

Since stepping into the CEO role in 2021, Ballard has led Minnesota United through a period of historic growth and innovation. In 2025, she was honored as Major League Soccer’s Doug Hamilton Executive of the Year, recognizing her exceptional leadership and the club’s outstanding business performance.

Under her direction, Minnesota United achieved record-breaking results across revenue, merchandise, partnerships, and fan engagement. Highlights include the club’s highest-ever total revenue, top single-season merchandise sales, most successful jersey launch in team history, and its highest gate revenue for a regular-season match at Allianz Field. Ballard has also driven impactful regional partnerships and strategic player transfer initiatives that strengthened both the club’s financial and competitive position.

At the Excellence in Business Awards Luncheon, Ballard will share insights on leadership, innovation, and building high-performing organizations—offering valuable perspective for business owners, executives, and community leaders striving for excellence in their own industries. Plus, we will be celebrating the amazing businesses that make up our community!