These Seven Williston Leaders Were Honored for Their Community Contributions

The wait is over, and seven local community leaders now have a little extra hardware to show for their work.

The Williston Area Chamber of Commerce held its 2026 Stars of Williston Awards on Friday, September 18, at The Grand Williston Hotel and Conference Center. A nice crowd was on hand for an evening of awards, entertainment and celebrating the people who help make Williston a great place to live and work.

Seven award categories were presented during the evening, with six of the winners coming from the nominees highlighted ahead of the event.

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Jeremy Ludlum Receives Distinguished Western Star Award

Jeremy Ludlum Williams County received the Distinguished Western Star Award, the Chamber's highest honor.

The award recognizes an individual in the Williston area who promotes Williston as a great place to live and work through ongoing personal and professional efforts. Recipients demonstrate a positive attitude toward the community while helping promote its people, resources and opportunities.

Ludlum's recognition places him among those who have made a lasting commitment to Williston and the people who call the area home.

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Six Community Stars Recognized

• Dr. Bernell Hirning, Williston State College, received the E. Ward Koeser Advocacy Award, recognizing his advocacy and community leadership.
• Jessica Delvo, Veridian North, was presented with the Williston Leadership Award for her leadership, vision and contributions to the community.
• RaeAnn Rathbun, Board of Realtors, received the Chamber Connector Award, recognizing her work connecting Chamber members and the wider community.
• Shane Cymbaluk was honored with the Community Engagement Award for his dedication to community service and volunteerism.
• Qamar Badwan, Fleur Cafe, received the Generation Next Award, recognizing a rising leader with a strong commitment to the community.
• Kelly Leo was named the Champion of Agriculture, honoring contributions to the region's agricultural community and economy.

The awards represent several different ways people contribute to Williston. From leadership and advocacy to agriculture, networking, volunteer work, and developing the next generation of community leaders, each category shines a light on a different piece of what makes a community work.

An Evening of Awards and Entertainment

The awards were only part of the evening. Attendees also enjoyed a great meal and some amazing entertainment from the magicians, who proved to be a big hit with the crowd.

With a nice turnout, the banquet provided an opportunity for people to catch up with friends and coworkers while celebrating the accomplishments of the nominees and winners.

While six individuals walked away with awards, the evening also recognized the many people who were nominated and the work they continue to do throughout Williston and the surrounding area.

And if you missed this year's event, you will not have to wait forever for another one. Plans are already underway for next year's Stars of Williston Awards.

For one night, the spotlight belonged to the 2026 winners. Soon enough, the Chamber will begin looking for the next group of local stars to recognize.