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November 1st, 2026
ST. JOSEPH, MI – Think back on the past year. Which business grew, hired, or invested in a way that moved our region forward? Who opened their doors for the first time and quickly became a local favorite? Which nonprofit showed up for the people who needed it most? Who is the young leader everyone is starting to talk about, or the familiar face who has been serving this community for decades?
As 2026 draws to a close, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is inviting the public to answer those questions by nominating the individuals, businesses and communities that made a meaningful impact in and around Southwest Michigan this year for the 2027 Business Recognition Awards.
“So much of the good work happening in our region goes unrecognized because it happens day in and day out,” said Arthur Havlicek, President & CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber. “These awards are our chance to pause, look back on the year, and say thank you to the people and businesses who made it count.”
Nominations are open to the public through Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2027. Nominees must be current Chamber members in good standing to be eligible. Winners will be selected through live peer voting at the 2027 Business Recognition Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony on Friday, Feb. 26, 2027, making it a celebration chosen by the business community itself.
2027 Award Categories
Business Focused
- Economic Impact Award: Honors a local enterprise that has made significant contributions to the region’s economic vitality through business growth, job creation, infrastructure investment and other efforts that benefit the community and its residents. The company must also exemplify strong corporate citizenship by giving back to the community and fostering a culture that enhances the lives of its employees.
- Small Business of the Year Award: Recognizes a local small business that stands out for building a strong, growing company; offering innovative products or services; increasing jobs and sales; overcoming adversity; and making significant community contributions. The nominee should be the highest-ranking person in the company.
- Nonprofit Excellence Award: Celebrates a 501(c)(3) organization that demonstrates excellence in serving our community or in advocating for, enabling and empowering underserved, underrepresented or disadvantaged populations in our area.
- Best New Business Award: Spotlights a standout Southwest Michigan business, between six months and two years old, that has demonstrated excellence in its product category and in serving the community.
- Community Placemaking Award: Highlights a community in Berrien, Cass or Van Buren County that has completed a project enhancing the lives of its residents, such as beautification efforts or public improvements.
Individual Focused
- Rising Star Award: Celebrates the accomplishments of a highly motivated, emerging leader in the community. Nominees should demonstrate excellence, creativity, initiative and leadership in their industry, company or profession.
- Pat Moody Award: Recognizes an individual who has made a lasting mark on the community. Nominees should be an established presence in Southwest Michigan for more than 10 years 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 2026 to help the organization and its members thrive.
Each award reflects the Chamber’s mission to celebrate excellence and strengthen the Southwest Michigan business community.
Sponsorship opportunities are available through Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2027, offering businesses a chance to align their brand with the region’s top honors. Details about the event format and ticket sales will be announced soon.
Full award criteria, nomination forms and sponsorship tiers are available at bit.ly/BRBAwards2027.
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