2026 Excellence in Business Award Luncheon

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!

Your 2026 Excellence in Business Finalists

Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate many amazing MetroNorth members. Your 2026 finalists are:

🎭 Arts Culture, & Entertainment: Lyric Arts and Moore Than Dance

🍽️ Restaurant/Food & Beverage: Kendall's Tavern & Chophouse and El Norte Mexican Bar & Grill

⚽ Sports & Recreation: Andover Soccer Club and Complete Performance

💼 Business & Professional Services: American Family Insurance - Kari Hefnider and Village Bank

🛍️ Shopping & Specialty Services: Addie Lane Floral & Gifts and Mary Kay - Lynnette Hubert

💆Personal Services & Care: JW Cleaning and Lisa Diers Therapeutic & Yoga

🏭 Manufacturing/Trade Organization: The Expert Co. and Tube Bending Specialists

❤️ Nonprofit/Civic Organization: Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation and Lupus Research Foundation

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Owned Business: Commers The Water Store and Minnesota Automotive

🏆 Community Champion: The Goddard School Blaine and Northeast Bank