Clone of 2025 ViTality Award

The Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to present the 2026 ABBY Awards – A Night Celebrating Leaders, Champions & Business Excellence! Join us on Thursday, April 16th, at the Best Western Aberdeen Lodging as we come together to celebrate the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose dedication, creativity, and leadership continue to strengthen our community.

Since their debut in 1995, the ABBY Awards have honored outstanding achievements, exceptional business practices, and superior customer service across the Aberdeen area. This year, we are once again uniting three meaningful celebrations into one extraordinary event: the Community Champions Luncheon, Leadership Aberdeen Graduation, and the ABBY Awards Ceremony.

As we enter a new year, our commitment remains the same — to recognize and elevate the people and organizations who make Aberdeen thrive. By highlighting their successes and community impact, the ABBY Awards continue to inspire growth, excellence, and pride in our vibrant business community.

ViTality Award Discription:

The ViTality Award honors the legacy of a true Aberdeen visionary, Vi Stoia, whose forward-thinking and progressive attitude, played a pivotal role in advancing local and regional development. This award is given to someone who demonstrates similar leadership by fostering relationships, connecting resources, and driving positive change for the economic growth of the Aberdeen community and surrounding region.

Judging Process
Applications are reviewed by Chamber and Economic Development professionals from across the United States. All results remain confidential until announced during the awards ceremony.

Application Requirements
To be considered for the 2026 ViTality Award, you must complete this application and upload the following materials:

Headshot
Any supporting documents or photos you wish to include

Submission Deadline: March 4, 2026
Incomplete applications or missing attachments may affect eligibility.

Event Details
The award will be presented on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Best Western Aberdeen Lodging during an evening recognizing leaders, innovators, and community champions.

RSVP Deadline: April 1, 2026
To reserve your seat, contact the Chamber at (605) 225-2860 or kami@aberdeen-chamber.com.

Questions
If you have any questions regarding this application or the ABBY Awards banquet, please contact the Chamber at (605) 225-2860 or kami@aberdeen-chamber.com.

Name*

First NameLast Name

Business

Position

Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

E-mail*

example@example.com

Phone Number*

Format: (000) 000-0000.

Name

First NameLast Name

Relationship to the Nominee:

E-mail

example@example.com

Phone Number

Format: (000) 000-0000.

Visionary Leadership

Describe how you (or the nominee) have demonstrated visionary leadership in advancing local or regional development. Include specific examples of initiatives, projects, or efforts that reflect a progressive and forward-thinking approach.

Fostering Relationships

How have you (or the nominee) fostered relationships and connected resources to drive positive economic change in Aberdeen and the surrounding region? Share specific partnerships or collaborations that have had a lasting impact.

Community and Economic Growth

What contributions have you (or the nominee) made to support the economic growth and development of the community? Provide measurable outcomes or testimonials that highlight these achievements.

Challenges and Resilience

What significant challenges have you (or the nominee) faced in driving change, and how were they overcome to achieve success?

Legacy and Vision for the Future

In what ways do you (or the nominee) embody the legacy of Vi Stoia? How do you envision your efforts continuing to influence and inspire future growth and progress in the Aberdeen community?

Supporting Information

2026 ABBY Awards – A Night Celebrating Leaders, Champions & Business Excellence

The ViTality Award

Nominee:

Submitted by (if applicable):