Boise Metro Chamber honors small businesses and leaders at 2026 awards

An event that focused on the hard work and endeavors of small businesses drew several to attend the annual celebration of excellence.

The Boise Metro Chamber held its 2026 Small Business and Chamber Excellence Award Winners on June 23 at Boise Centre, which honored small businesses of the year, a hall-of-fame inductee and many others.

In addition to the chamber’s eight categories of honors, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Boise District Office honored financial lenders in four categories: Gem State Lender of the Year, Rural Lender of the Year, Builder Award and Leading Lender of the Year. The awards went to ICCU, Zions Bank, ICCU and Zions Bank, respectively.

“Today, we are celebrating the entrepreneurs, the innovators, the small business owners who make the Boise area and all of Idaho such a vibrant place to live and work,” said Shannon Madsen, district director of the local SBA. “Behind many of these success stories are lenders who provide the capital for these businesses to start, grow, hire employees, expand operations, and invest in the future.”

Before the awards luncheon began, a reception and tradeshow was held, giving chamber members and attendees a chance to connect. Vendors included services from insurance and banking to hospitality, air travel and more.

During the awards ceremony, recently retired Dan Price, who was the community banking president at Mountain West Bank, was inducted into the chamber’s hall of fame. Along with his work in the community, Price was also heavily involved with the chamber.

Nancee Bakken, the executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho, remarked in a video lauding Price that it was amazing to see the impact his work had on the region.

“I thought, if I could have half the impact that Dan has had throughout my career, then I’d consider myself successful,” she said.

Beyond his work with numerous organizations and four decades in the financial services industry, Price’s guidance was also important to Boise Metro Chamber CEO Bobbi-Jo Meuleman’s first year in her role, she said.

“I am beyond grateful for his leadership, his mentorship, and all that he did for me during that year,” she said. “He truly just embodies what a leader represents.”

For his part, like most who receive such honors, Price stated the work he’s done did not involve just him.

“None of us do this alone,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate to work with some truly great people along the way.”

Along with Price, another individual was recognized for his hard work in making sure the voice of small business continues to be heard, especially at the government level.

Kevin Settles, owner of Bardenay Restaurants & Distilleries, was named the 2026 Government Advocate of the Year.

“I’ve long believed that the health of the community is reflected in the health of its businesses,” he said. Settles has spent decades not only growing his business but taking the challenges small businesses face to legislators, fighting for fairness and common sense.

Before honoring Price and Settles, winners were awarded in eight categories, with businesses ranging from journalism to accounting.

The winners of each category were:

• 2026 Small Business of the Year Award 1-10 Full-Time Employees: BoiseDev
• 2026 Small Business of the Year Award 11-50 Full-Time Employees: Stoltz Marketing Group
• 2026 Nonprofit Industry Excellence Award: Idaho Youth Ranch
• 2026 Food & Agriculture Industry Excellence Award: Telaya Wine Co.
• 2026 Healthcare Industry Excellence Award: Gemba Boise
• 2026 The Jim Moore Lifetime Legacy Award for Excellence in Travel & Hospitality: Boise Airport
• 2026 Community Engagement Excellence Award: ICCU
• 2026 Financial Services Industry Excellence Award: Sorren