News & Stories

2026 Kalkaska Citizen and Business of the Year Nominations Open

Group photo of 18 people posed in two rows outside a brick building with large windows.

Image description: 2025 Kalkaska Citizens of the Year and Businesses of the Year grouped together for a photo outside Railroad Square Pavilion's brick exterior.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Kalkaska Citizen and Business of the Year, a decades-long tradition in Kalkaska County that honors a resident for their civic involvement and a local business for their outstanding service to the community. Award nominations are being accepted through the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation and are due by February 20. The winners will be announced in March.

Kalkaska County residents are invited to submit nominations for the 2026 Kalkaska Citizen and Business of the Year on the Community Foundation’s website at: https://www.gtrcf.org/events.

The Kalkaska Citizen and Business of the Year will be honored at the 56th Annual Kalkaska Luncheon, hosted by the Community Foundation, on April 21 from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at Railroad Square Pavilion in downtown Kalkaska, kicking off the National Trout Festival celebration. Event registration is $20 per person or $250 for table sponsorship and can be purchased online at: https://www.gtrcf.org/events.

The Community Foundation covers the cost of the Kalkaska Luncheon so that 100% of event registrations and sponsorships can directly support the Endowment for Kalkaska Area, a permanent fund dedicated to supporting the people and places in the Kalkaska community. All additional donations support the Endowment's growth, furthering community benefit.