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October 30, 2025
ST. JOSEPH, MI – As 2025 comes to a close, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is inviting the public to nominate exceptional individuals and businesses who have made a meaningful impact in and around our community for the 2026 Business Recognition Awards.
Nominations are open through Tuesday, January 6th, with winners to be selected through live peer voting at the 2026 Business Recognition Event on Friday, February 20th.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available and will be accepted through Friday, January 16th.
Full award criteria, nomination submission forms and sponsorship tiers can be found online at: bit.ly/BRBAwards2026
Categories for the 2026 Chamber Awards are:
Business Focused:
- Economic Impact Award: A local enterprise that has made significant contributions to the economic vitality of the region through business growth, job creation, investment in infrastructure, and participation in other endeavors that benefit that community and its residents. The company must also exemplify excellent corporate citizenship by giving back to the community in which it operates and possesses a corporate culture that enhances the lives of its employees.
- Small Business of the Year Award: A local small business that stands out for developing an outstanding, growing business; offering innovative product(s) and/or services, increasing jobs, increasing sales, overcoming adversity, and for making significant community contributions. The applicant for this award should be the highest-ranking person in the company.
- Non-Profit Excellence Award: A 501(c)3 organization that demonstrates excellence in providing a service to our community and/or in advocating, enabling, and empowering an underserved, underrepresented or disadvantaged population in our area.
- Best New Business: A new stand-out business in Southwest Michigan that is between 6 months and 2 years old, has demonstrated levels of excellence in their product category and in providing service to the community.
- Community Placemaking Award - Launched in 2025: This award specifically highlights a community in Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren Counties that has done a project that specifically enhances the lives of residents, such as beautification projects, improvements, etc.
Individual Focused:
- Rising Star Award: An award that recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of a highly motivated, emerging leader in the community. Nominees should demonstrate excellence, creativity, and show initiative/leadership in their industry, company, or profession.
- The Pat Moody Award: An award that recognizes an individual who has made their mark in the community. Nominees should be an established presence with over 10 years in Southwest Michigan, and exemplify customer and community service.
The Chamber will also present its Ambassador of the Year Award to a Chamber Ambassador who went above and beyond in 2025, helping the organization and its members thrive.
Each award reflects the Chamber’s mission to celebrate excellence and strengthen the Southwest Michigan business community. Nominations are open to the public; however, nominees must be current Chamber members in good standing to be eligible.
Details about the 2026 Business Recognition Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony event format and ticket sales, will be announced soon.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 EVENT SPONSORS
Title Sponsor: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Presenting Sponsors: Comcast Business, Horizon Bank, Sturgis Bank & Trust
Supporting Sponsors: Hungerford CPAs + Advisors, Wales Wealth Management
Contributing Sponsors: Nulty Insurance/Auto Owners Insurance, Mighty Dog Roofing
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