The Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce Receives 2025 City Beautification Award

Since 2017, the Beautification and Public Art Committee, in collaboration with the City of Elk River Economic Development Authority (EDA), has received nominations for the annual Beautification Award. This year, the EDA recognized the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce for its complete exterior remodel and updated landscaping.

“We’re thrilled,” says Debbi Rydberg, Executive Director for the Elk River Chamber of Commerce. “This building was constructed about 35 years ago, and like many non-profits, our focus was on our mission, not our home. The board recognized the need to improve the building because it is located on a highly visible corner and is a first impression for businesses. It was exciting to make the improvements.”

The winner is selected after a panel of judges evaluates each nominee’s project and completes a scoring rubric based on key criteria. The Beautification and Public Art Committee recommends a winner, and the EDA reviews and approves it. The winner receives a garden bench with a commemorative plaque in the spring.  

Five Projects Were Nominated for the Beautification Award

Nominations for the annual City of Elk River Beautification Award are open from May 1 to September 30. Businesses can submit any project that cleans, repairs, and improves the overall aesthetics of their buildings or property. The goal of this award is to encourage
community improvements, therefore enhancing the city’s image and economic vitality.

This year, five local organizations had their projects submitted for consideration to the Beautification and Public Art Committee:

• Antiques Downtown
• Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce
• NRH Plumbing
• Price Homes
• Thunderstruck Exteriors

Businesses interested in competing for this award can either nominate themselves or be nominated by members of the community. New construction projects are also considered if they are occupied once the review process starts. 

The Chamber of Commerce Completed an Exterior Overhaul

Throughout the spring and summer, the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce completed several improvement projects to make the building more visually appealing and welcoming to businesses and visitors who meet there. A few of their beautification accomplishments include:

• Updated siding with multiple colors and textures. 
• Sleek black-framed doors and windows.
• New roof with modern architectural flair.
• Installation of boulder walls and a variety of new plants that complement the building’s refreshed exterior.

Not only did these improvements make the structure safer and better able to withstand inclement weather, but they also connected the building to the history and culture of Elk River. The updated landscaping is nice for residents to enjoy while supporting the natural pollinators in the area.

The Chamber worked with Attics to Basements, a local area contractor, and Greenscape Companies, a local landscape company, to complete the property renovation. 

The Beautification and Public Art Committee Scores Projects With an Objective Rubric

The Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce scored the highest for its beautification project based on five key criteria:

• The improvements visually enhance the neighborhood.
• The space is well-maintained.
• There is a visually pleasing color scheme.The improvements reflect significant creativity and design.
• The project resulted in substantial improvements.  

“The Beautification and Public Art Committee looks at more than just the quality of work when evaluating projects,” says Joshua Mollan, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Elk River. “It also considers the larger impact the project has on its street and the community as a whole. The updates to the Chamber can highlight the culture of Elk River to business owners and entrepreneurs for years to come.” 

Consider Your Project for the 2026 Beautification Award

The City of Elk River Beautification Award is a wonderful program to recognize the efforts of businesses that have made noteworthy improvements to their properties. Clean, well-maintained spaces showcase the care that Elk River businesses put into their communities and create a town that people are proud to live in, work in, and visit. Thank you to all of the businesses that participated and that care about their presence in the community.

If you have an exterior project planned for the spring, consider submitting it for the 2026 Beautification Award. We can’t wait to celebrate the changes you have made and consider your business for this designation.