The 2026 Business Recognition Award Ceremony & Annual Meeting returns Friday, February 20th! Doors open at 7:00 am and the program begins at 7:30 am at Grand Upton Hall located in the Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College.
We will be announcing our new Board of Directors, sharing our Young Professionals Board – NextGen, recapping 2025, sharing exciting news for 2026 and handing out our Business Recognition Awards!Just like the past few years, LIVE VOTING is back for 2026! Be part of the excitement as YOU help select our Business Recognition Award winners—live, the morning of the event!
Event Details:
Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
Time: Doors open at 7:00 a.m., program begins at 7:30 a.m.
Location: Lake Michigan College Mendel Center’s Grand Upton Hall
Nominations are officially open now! We encourage you to submit businesses and individuals who are making a remarkable impact in Southwest Michigan. Of course, self-nominations are welcome! Additional details and criteria can be found HERE.
Award Categories:
Business Focused:
- Best New Business
- Small Business of the Year
- Economic Impact
- Non - Profit Excellence
- Community Placemaking
- Rising Star
- The Pat Moody Award
View our 2025 Business Recognition Breakfast Recap Video HERE!
Interested in sponsoring? Email Jasmine at jhansen@smrchamber.com
Date and Time
Friday Feb 20, 2026
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM EST
Location
Lake Michigan College Mendel Center
Grand Upton Hall
1100 Yore Ave
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Fees/Admission
Please make sure we have correct attendees emails!
