BLOOMINGTON — The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is issuing a final call for nominations for its upcoming Annual Meeting & Community Awards, with the deadline rapidly approaching on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
The annual awards honor outstanding individuals, local businesses, and community organizations that have made significant contributions to Monroe County through volunteerism, leadership, and professional achievements.
Winners will be formally recognized during the Chamber’s 111th Annual Meeting & Community Awards ceremony on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
2026 Award Categories
This year’s slate features several long-standing honors alongside a brand-new category recognizing top local employers:
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Honors individuals who have made an immeasurable, positive impact on the community over a sustained period.
- Business of the Year: Recognizes an established business or organization that has been in operation for five years or more.
- New Business of the Year: Celebrates an emerging business or organization operating for less than five years.
- Community Anchor Award: Highlights a local business or organization with a proven track record of long-term community support and engagement.
- 4 Under 40 Awards: Spotlights young professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, professional work ethic, and civic involvement.
- NEW! Best Places to Work: A newly introduced award recognizing outstanding employers located in Monroe County with at least six full-time (or equivalent) employees. Participating organizations will also receive valuable direct employee feedback.
Nomination Guidelines and Eligibility
An independent selection committee will evaluate all submissions based strictly on the detailed information provided in the nomination forms. To ensure a valid entry, nominators should review the following criteria:
- Chamber Membership: Nominees must be a member of The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce or employed by a member business. (Note: “4 Under 40” nominees are exempt from this requirement.)
- Previous Winners: Nominees cannot have previously won in the same category. (Note: The new “Best Places to Work” category is exempt from this rule.)
- Multiple Entries: Individuals and organizations may be nominated across multiple categories; however, each submission must be completed separately.
Community members, business owners, and colleagues are encouraged to submit comprehensive details to support their nominees before the August 7 deadline.
For more information or to submit an online entry for the Community Awards or the Best Places to Work recognition, visit the official Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce website.
