Each year, the Wayzata West Metro Chamber honors an exceptional member who embodies the true spirit of leadership, service, and community. The Chamber Person of the Year Award recognizes a long-standing, active participant who goes above and beyond their professional role to advance the economic, civic, commercial, and educational vitality of our community.
To qualify, nominees must meet rigorous criteria:
- Maintain active Chamber membership for at least 5 years
- Demonstrate sustained leadership and active participation in Chamber events and initiatives
- Volunteer time and leadership across multiple civic and community areas
- Consistently create a positive, lasting impact over many years
This year, we are beyond thrilled to announce that Caroline Melberg, owner of Maverick Lead Generation, has been named our 2026 Person of the Year!
A Champion for Our Community (and Our Four-Legged Friends!)
For more than 13 years, Caroline has been a cornerstone of our Chamber family. From her insightful leadership on the Chamber Board and as Board Chair to her legendary role organizing “all things dogs” at James J. Hill Days, Caroline brings unmatched enthusiasm, creativity, and follow-through to everything she touches.
Her fellow members say it best:
- “Caroline has singlehandedly preserved and dramatically improved all things related to JJ Hill Days. Her volunteer efforts have stood the test of time, and she never lets the Chamber down.”
- “Great ideas. Great analysis. Great follow through. Something comes up in a meeting, and before you know it, she’s nailed it and reporting back. No one is more deserving.”
In Her Own Words: A Q&A with Caroline Melberg
We sat down with Caroline to reflect on her 13+ years of service, her favorite memories, and her advice for future community leaders.
Looking back over your time with the Chamber, what achievements are you most proud of?
“There are two things that stand out. The Wayzata Chamber is amazing for a lot of reasons, but the biggest and the reason it is so successful are the people that make up the Chamber. As I started to get involved, I realized what a tremendous group of human beings the Chamber is composed of, and I wanted to play a small part in it. To be asked to “join the team” as a James J. Hill Days Steering Committee member, Board member, and later Board Chair is an incredible honor, because of the respect I have for all the people involved.
The second is seeing the Dachshund Races at James J. Hill Days go from “2 hours on a Saturday” to a full 2-day Wayzata Dog Event just makes me smile inside. After the first Dachshund Races, I was hooked and my goal became to help make Wayzata even more dog-friendly and to encourage people to learn about all of the ways dogs make our lives better – hence our bringing a variety of different dog events to the JJHD Dog Park over the years (including demos of search and rescue, scent detection, therapy dog, service dog, a variety of rescue dog organizations, agility, flyball, disc dog, dock diving, doggy Olympics – and of course the much-beloved Dachshund Races. I’ve become so “connected” in the dog world now … Just wait until you see what we have in store for you next year!”
What is your favorite memory from James J. Hill Days over the years?
“So many! Years ago, when the Chamber was looking to re-invigorate James J. Hill Days event, the team asked me to join a brainstorming meeting for perspective from a marketing standpoint. During that meeting, the idea was floated to move the Dachshund Races “down to Lake Street.”
“You mean on the grass somewhere near Lake Street?” I asked.
“No! Right on Lake Street,” said the Chamber.
They didn’t yet know about my passion for all things dog, but after hearing my list of dog-related questions they got the hint and asked if I’d like to coordinate the Dachshund Races that year.
I have so many favorite memories from every year’s event like:
- Hearing parents instructing their children on the proper way to greet a strange dog
- Watching over the years as Dachshund Race participants have grown to where they are bringing the whole family now (kids, parents, grandparents, retired racing Dachshunds in strollers), generally with signs and banners supporting their dog
- Seeing the crowds start to form to watch the variety of dog demos we had this year
- Seeing the competitiveness of our participants in the Dachshund Races and the Doggy Olympics. They always bring their very best game to the events! One year we had an instant replay and a judges challenge at the Races!
- And the one that makes me cry… the Famous Dachshund Racer June Carter’s mom telling me she has June’s awards from the many years of racing hanging on display in her home, and that the day she took home 1st place was the ‘best day of her life!’”
How has your active involvement shaped your perspective as a local business owner?
“When we started Maverick Lead Generation in 2006 after corporate careers, I initially joined the Chamber and didn’t get involved. Then Cindy Leines invited me to join a marketing panel, which was my catalyst for getting involved.
Next, Peter Hitch invited me to brainstorm for James J. Hill Days. join the Board, and I was hooked! I fell in love with the people and this special community.
Then, I met Steve Langsdale, and watched how he demonstrates the true meaning of community in every connection he makes, giving before receiving and embodying the spirit of real networking. He could teach a master class, and our Chamber is so lucky to have him.”
What does this award mean to you, and what advice would you give new members?
“It’s a tremendous honor to receive this award from a community I love and respect so much. While Chamber membership has been great for our business, it’s been even greater personally because these aren’t just “business associates,” they are lifelong friendships being built.
My mom and dad met in Wayzata, and I know if they were still here, they would be so proud to see my involvement in this wonderful community.
To new members I’d say – get involved! Meet the people involved. If you’re like me and don’t “love networking or small talk,” find a committee or event that interests you and find out how you can help. You never know, you might find a whole community of people waiting to connect with you!
Join Us at the Celebration Luncheon on October 13!
Come celebrate Caroline’s hard work, dedication, and lasting contributions to the Wayzata West Metro area at the 2026 Chamber Person of the Year Celebration!
- Event: 2026 Chamber Person of the Year
- Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 11:30-1pm
- Tickets & Registration: Reserve your seat on the Chamber events page today!
Nominate the 2027 Person of the Year
Do you know a dedicated Chamber member who goes above and beyond for our business community? It’s never too early to start thinking about next year’s honoree. Review the nominee requirements above and submit your nomination form to recognize a fellow leader making a difference.
