The Woodbury Chamber of Commerce’s Community Awards Gala held Jan. 16 was sold out for the first time since before the COVID pandemic. About 250 people attended the event held at the city’s newly remodeled Central Park.
“In a time with uncertainty and unrest in our community, the gala was a great reminder that we have much to celebrate,” Executive Director Laurie Staiger told Woodbury News Net via email. “Our community is made up of incredible volunteers, educators, public safety, nonprofits and businesses who work together to build a best-in-class city. The joy and camaraderie at that event was just what this community needed.”
The theme of the evening was Hollywood Glam and Staiger added: “Do we look good when we want to!”
Here are the winners of the five awards the Chamber presented.
Business of the Year
The HOW Companies Inc. won the Business of the Year Award. Kelly Jahner-Byrne started the business offering her services as speaker and business coach. It now also includes publishing, a conference, and events like speed networking for businesses.
“Everybody needs a place to call home,” Jahner-Byrne said in a video produced by Justin Films for the chamber gala. “HOW Companies is about helping others win.”
She’s lived in Woodbury for 30 years and been a member of the Chamber for more than 17 years.
One nomination for her stated: “I’ve watched Kelly consistently use her business to lift up other businesses. Even in her Chamber involvement, from leading Speed Networking for over 13 years to supporting The Connect Group and sponsoring the Mayor’s Luncheon, she doesn’t just show up, she makes sure others are welcomed, connected and seen.”
Educator of the Year
Logan Cartensen, a science teacher at Lake Middle School, won the 2025 Educator of the Year. A nomination for him by a parent states that he is known affectionately by his students as “Mr. C,” and he goes above and beyond to create a learning environment where students feel seen, supported and inspired.
“Whether through engaging science lessons that spark curiosity or through the everyday moments of connection that build trust, Mr. C makes each student feel valued for who they are. He takes time to know each student personally, remembering their interests and even their favorite snacks,” the parent wrote.
“Outside the classroom, Mr. C shows the same level of dedication. He attends extracurricular events, supports students in their activities, and is a familiar, friendly face throughout the Woodbury community.”
Cartensen has taught for 23 years with 20 of those years at Lake Middle.
“I tried to make science fun for students by keeping them actively engaged doing hands-on activities,” he told Justin Films. “We make a mess, and it’s fun. What I hear from my former students is that they didn’t even know they were learning when we were doing.”
Everyday Hero
The winner of the Everyday Hero Award led a major expansion of the Woodbury Community Garden, in addition to several other volunteer activities. Sandy Peterson said two grants received last year allowed the garden to add 48 beds for a total of 160 beds, including several that are wheelchair accessible.
Her other volunteer work with the non-profit organization, Woodbury Thrives, includes facilitating events like “Coffee, Tea, and Conversation” and “Movies for Grownups.”
“It is so rewarding to give back to the community I love and see how you can change people’s lives,” Peterson said.
One nomination for Peterson stated: “Sandy’s ability to bring together residents, volunteers, city staff, and partner organizations has been essential to the program’s success. Her dedication to thoughtful planning, accessibility, and community engagement exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding volunteer.”
Non-Profit of the Year
Basic Needs Inc. received the Non-Profit of the Year Award. The organization is based in Cottage Grove and serves southern Washington County, including Woodbury. It has provided food, clothing and household goods to people in need since 1996. It operates a thrift shop and a food market in Cottage Grove that rescues over 270,000 pounds of food annually, offering access to essential items for the local community.
“The mission of Basic Needs is first and foremost is to treat people with dignity and respect,” Executive Director Opey Peñaloga told Justin Films.
One nomination for Basic Needs stated: “I know many people that have been served by the food market and the thrift store. My family used to go to their old store when I was a kid and now I can bring my own kids with me to help the next generation of people in our community.”
The organization was named the 2024 Non-Profit of the Year by the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce.
Public Safety Worker of the Year
Fire Marshal Kevin Lynch is the Public Safety Worker of the Year. He began his career as a paid, on-call firefighter in 2008, working his way up to marshall.
In nominating Lynch, Director of Public Safety Jason Posel cited Lynch’s work investigating a series of house fires in Woodbury last spring. One of those killed Jill Sobule, a 66-year-old singer-songwriter and guitarist.
“His comprehensive and well documented investigation reflected his deep expertise and dedication,” Posel stated. “This case deeply affected our community, and Kevin’s careful and compassionate handling of it brought comfort to those impacted, reaffirming that Public Safety serves with both skill and heart.”
Posel also said Lynch leads community preparednaess, playing a vital key in a statewide lithium battery fire awareness campaign. “Kevin Lynch embodies what it means to serve all people with compassion and courage,” Posel stated.
Lynch said the residents of Woodbury has been very supportive of the fire department. “The most rewarding and fulfilling thing of being a firefighter is give back to the community and be part of something greater, and I just think it’s a really great fit,” Lynch said.
