BEDFORD – The Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce is calling on community members to recognize the businesses, organizations and individuals making a difference in Lawrence County by submitting nominations for its 2026 Chamber Awards.
The awards will be presented during the Chamber’s 110th Annual Dinner on Thursday, Aug. 20. Nominations are now being accepted from the public in four categories, with all submissions due by Monday, July 27.
The 2026 Business Beautification Award will honor a Chamber member business that has made significant improvements to its property. Nominations should include the business name, a description of the improvements, and, if available, photographs of the completed work. Owen County State Bank received the award in 2025.
The Community Service Award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond the normal duties of citizenship to improve the community. Nomination letters or online submissions should describe the nominee’s volunteer efforts and community involvement and include contact information. Recent recipients include David Miller, Shawna Girgis, Marla Jones, George McNichols, and Brad Dyke.
The Chamber is also accepting nominations for Small Business of the Year, which recognizes a Chamber member business with fewer than 100 employees that has experienced significant growth or made a meaningful impact on community development. Visiting Angels earned the honor last year.
The fourth category, Non-Profit of the Year, will recognize a local nonprofit organization that has made significant progress in advancing its mission and improving the quality of life for Lawrence County residents. White River Humane Society received the award in 2025.
Nominations may be submitted through the Chamber’s online nomination form or by requesting a printable nomination form from Membership and Communications Director Sally Miller at member@bedfordchamber.com. To be eligible, nominees must be current members of the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce.
