There are moments in business that make you stop and reflect on how far you have come and who helped you get there. For our family owned and operated company, being honored with the Redwood Area Chamber Star Entrepreneur Award at the 29th Redwood Area Chamber Gala was one of those moments.
The Redwood Area Chamber Gala has always been about more than a night out. It brings together business owners, community leaders, and neighbors from across the area to celebrate the people and organizations who consistently show up for this community. Being recognized in a room filled with familiar faces made the evening especially meaningful.
Redwood Area Chamber Star Entrepreneur Award and What It Represents
The Redwood Area Chamber Star Entrepreneur Award recognizes individuals who follow their vision, work through challenges, and build a business rooted in determination and service. Sweetman Sanitation was honored to be the sole nominee for this award in 2026, a distinction we do not take lightly.
This year, the Star Entrepreneur Award category received the most nominations in the award’s history. To be the business those submissions pointed toward is incredibly humbling. It reflects the trust, support, and relationships built within the community we serve every day. Knowing people took the time to share their experiences with our team means more to us than any recognition ever could.
Built by Community and Supported by Community
At the heart of the Redwood Area Chamber Star Entrepreneur Award is community. This recognition belongs just as much to our employees, our customers, and our partners as it does to our family. From dependable service on the routes to showing up for local events and organizations, being involved in the community has always been part of how we do business.
A Leadership Chapter Comes Full Circle
This year’s gala also marked the conclusion of Ray Sweetman’s one year term as Chair of the Redwood Area Chamber Board. Serving in this leadership role has been an honor and an opportunity to support the Chamber’s important work in workforce and community development. Closing out that chapter while also receiving the Redwood Area Chamber Star Entrepreneur Award made the evening even more meaningful for our entire team.
Thank you to the Redwood Area Chamber, our community, and everyone who continues to support Sweetman Sanitation. We are proud of where we come from and grateful for the opportunity to serve this area every single day.
