INDIANAPOLIS — Some of the state’s most recognizable and influential leaders will be recognized November 5 as the Indiana Chamber of Commerce hosts its 37th Annual Awards Dinner, presented by SIHO, at the JW Marriott Indianapolis.
The 2026 award recipients announced thus far are:
- Ogletree Deakins Business Leader of the Year: Roger Penske, chairman of Penske Entertainment Corp. (Indianapolis)
- NextEra Energy Resources Dynamic Leader of the Year: Indiana University President Pam Whitten (Bloomington)
- Birch Bayh-Richard Lugar Government Leader of the Year: Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen
- Keystone Group-Indy Eleven Entrepreneur of the Year: Nate Feltman, IBJ Media CEO, publisher and owner (Indianapolis)
“The Annual Awards Dinner is always one of our favorite moments of the year because it gives us the chance to celebrate people and organizations that care deeply about Indiana and are making a real difference,” offers Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders.
“This year’s honorees represent remarkable achievement and influence – from iconic business leadership to public service, education and entrepreneurial vision. We’re proud to recognize their impact and the example they set for leaders across the state.”
Sinders says this year’s class was selected for contributions that have strengthened Indiana’s economy, communities and reputation in distinct ways:
- Penske’s continued investment in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has elevated one of Indiana’s most iconic institutions while reinforcing its role as a major driver of tourism, jobs and statewide visibility.
- Whitten has advanced Indiana University’s focus on student success, research, workforce development and economic opportunity, while elevating key priorities such as innovation, athletics and IU Indianapolis.
- Jensen has helped guide significant growth and investment in Noblesville, with major infrastructure, quality of place and economic development initiatives supporting business expansion and talent attraction.
- Feltman has brought entrepreneurial leadership to Indiana business media, strengthening local ownership of IBJ Media while expanding its statewide reach, events platform and role as a convener of business and civic leaders.
One additional honor, the Yamaha Community of the Year, will be announced October 1 in the winning community.
The Indiana Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner also will feature CNN political commentator Scott Jennings and Jessica Tarlov, co-host of The Five on Fox News, for a conversation on the national landscape just two days after Election Day.
Tickets – along with standard and premium tables – are available at www.indianachamber.com/annualdinner.
PNC is the opening reception sponsor for the Annual Awards Dinner. Zimmer Biomet is the speaker sponsor, Butler University is the Hall of Fame sponsor, and Hirons is the VIP speaker reception sponsor. Corporate sponsors are AT&T Indiana, Eli Lilly and Company, Fineline Printing, Forvis Mazars LLP, French Lick Resort, Meijer, Inc., OneAmerica Financial, Pacers Sports & Entertainment, Parkview Health and Polaris Marine. Contributing sponsors are Connor Painting, Delta Dental of Indiana, Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Marketing Council, Inside INdiana Business (a division of IBJ Media), Markey’s, NIPSCO and Subaru of Indiana Automotive.
