BEDFORD — If you know a young leader making a difference in Lawrence County, there is still time to give them the recognition they deserve.
The Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce and the Bedford Young Professionals (BYP) have announced an extension for the 2026 “4 Under 40” Award nominations. The new deadline for submissions is now Thursday, July 2.
The annual awards are designed to celebrate the individual achievements of local young professionals while encouraging a broader culture of innovation, leadership, and continuous growth within the Lawrence County business community.
Nomination Criteria
To be eligible for the award, nominees must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Between 21 and 40 years old.
- Location: Must live or work within Lawrence County.
Organizers emphasize that this is an excellent opportunity to highlight the hard work of a friend, coworker, employee, or even a boss. The selection committee will evaluate nominees based on four core qualities:
- Demonstrated leadership within the local community.
- Exceptional leadership and dedication in the workplace.
- Clearly defined future goals and their likely positive regional impact.
- Specific achievements earned as an individual or as part of a collective group.
Important Dates and Next Steps
The timeline for the 2026 selection and celebration process is as follows:
- Nomination Deadline: Thursday, July 2
- Winners Announced: At the July Bedford Young Professionals meeting
- Awards Presentation: At the Annual Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce Dinner on Thursday, August 20
How to Submit
Nomination forms can be obtained through the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce. Completed nomination forms must be submitted via email to megan.martin@jabenefits.com no later than the July 2 deadline.
For more information, local businesses and residents can reach out to the Chamber offices located at 1116 16th Street in Bedford.
