CONGRATULATIONS HOSPITALITY STARS!
Celebrating Community Champions
2025 Businessperson of the Year Melissa Scoles QA1 Brands
The Lakeville Chamber of Commerce named Melissa Scoles owner and CEO of QA1 Brands, as the 2025 Businessperson of the Year! Melissa Scoles’ journey to becoming CEO of QA1 Brands is rooted in family, grit, and a strong commitment to doing the right thing. A lifelong Minnesotan from Apple Valley, she grew up alongside QA1, the performance suspension company founded by her father, Jim Jordan, in 1993. She began working at QA1 at age 15 folding boxes and later gained exposure to the industry through college internships and trade shows. After earning her degree from the University of Illinois – Champaign and briefly exploring entrepreneurship, she returned to QA1 in 2011. Her leadership path accelerated after her father’ s illness in 2012, shaping her role in guiding the company forward. Today, Melissa leads with a values-driven, collaborative approach shaped by EOS and YPO involvement. Under her leadership, QA1 has expanded U. S. manufacturing, invested in innovation, and earned national recognition, including SEMA
Manufacturer of the Year in 2024. The company remains deeply engaged in community initiatives, STEM education, and local partnerships. Melissa’ s leadership is defined by clarity, values, and vision, earning her the Chamber’ s Businessperson of the Year honor.
About QA1 Brands QA1 Brands manufactures performance suspension and driveline components for automotive and racing markets. The company serves customers worldwide while maintaining strong local manufacturing and community connections.
2025 Businesswoman of the Year Jamie Dahlen Blithe Hotels
Jamie Dahlen is owner of the Holiday Inn & Suites and Candlewood Suites Lakeville. With deep family roots in hospitality, she began her career in housekeeping and worked her way through nearly every hotel role. She is known for creating welcoming environments for guests and strong opportunities for employees. Her leadership blends family values, hands-on experience, and community involvement, shaping a career dedicated to hospitality excellence in Lakeville.
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CONGRATULATIONS 2026 HONOREES!
COMMUNTIY BUSINESS PARTNER OF THE YEAR APPRO Development & CERRON Commercial Properties
EDUCATION BUSINESS PARTNER OF THE YEAR Lakeville Works Donors
TOURISM BUSINESS PARTNER OF THE YEAR Railworks
AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR Kristy Groh, LaserMama
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Chip Solner, Buck Hill Ski & Snowboard
SHINING STAR Jenna Rush Rudy’ s Redeye Grill
EVERYDAY HERO Rich Kollar Brackett’ s Crossing Country Club
EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE Joseph Caplan Porterhouse
EXCEPTIONAL TOURISM AMBASSADOR Nancy Schulte Lakeville Area Arts Center
EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP Cole Kaupa Green Mill