NON- PROFIT ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR: This award is presented to an active 501-C-3 or C-6 organization that has made a notable impact on the quality of life for those who live and work in the area while adhering to its mission statement.

Previous winners of the award include: Eastern Shore Rural Health

I place in nomination the name of the following candidate and business for consideration as the 2026 Non-Profit of the Year. 

OUTSTANDING CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - This award will be presented to an individual, who, over a period of at least two years, has consistently demonstrated excellence in professional and community leadership. This individual has made or is making significant contributions to the welfare of the community through involvement and participation and has given generously of their time and energy for community betterment. The contribution may be civic, social, educational, charitable, or business related.

Previous honorees were: Alice Coles; H. Philip Gibb; Ida Jones Williams; David Parker; A. Theresa Bliss; Beverly Turner; John Ordeman; Amine Kellam; Braxton C. Parks; Dr. Belle DeCormis Fears; J. Carroll Taylor; J.C. Turner; Julia Broad; Scott R. Chandler; Dr. William F. Bernart; Cynthia W. Bernart; Willie L. Holland; The Honorable Robert S. Bloxom; Robert Parks; George N. McMath; H.B. Rew, Jr.; Chester Jackson; Norman Thibodeaux; Brenda Holden; Arthur King Fisher; the Rev. Harry W. Crandall; Pat Davis; Sharone White Bailey; Lucius J. Kellam, III; Joyce Fooks Holland; the Honorable Lynwood Lewis; Kathy Custis; Jenny O’Neill; Dana Floyd; Stephen and Barbara Johnsen; Dr. Drury Stith, Rev. Kelvin Jones, Blake Johnson, Johnny 'Mo' Morrison, Kathy Kellam, Beth Sharpley, and John Coker.

I place in nomination the name of the following candidate for consideration as the 2026 OUTSTANDING CITIZEN OF THE YEAR.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR - The individual chosen should have established a business (Chamber Member), which has been in operation for 2 years or more and is headquartered on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. This individual should be 39 years old or younger with a demonstrated ability to effectively react to adversity. The nominee should have positively affected the community through their products and services, either socially or economically. The individual should be a civically responsible employer providing an excellent work environment.

Previous honorees were: Kelly Flories, Henry Smith, Elizabeth Dodd Russell, Tony Robinson and Jahiem Fisher, Ebony Brown, Meredith Lusk, Josh Chapman, Anne Kyle Doughty.

 I place in nomination the name of the following candidate and business for consideration as the 2026 YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD.

SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR - The individual chosen should represent an established business (Chamber member) with a demonstrated ability to effectively react to adversity. The nominee should have positively affected the community through their products and services. The business should have provided resources and/or funding to scholastic activities and community related events. The individual should be a responsible employer providing an excellent work environment.

 Previous winners of the award include George N. McMath; Ben D. Byrd Sr.; William R. Lewis, Jr.; Wayne Smith; Charles F. Russell II; Pam Barefoot; Franco Nocera; David Turner; Judi and Carl Beck; H. Ray Haynie; Mike Bailey; M. Carter Davis; C. Lee Davis; H.B. Rew, Jr.; John T. “Johnny” Williams; Bill Sterling; Willie C. Randall; Jimmy Bundick; Nancy J. Stern; Kristin Ealy; Dona Danziger; Joshua Lattimore; Marion Long; Alisa James; Ellie & Len Cackowski; John T. Williams; Blake Johnson; Genevieve Walker-Switzer; Jeannette Edwards; Suzanne Golibart, Sean Hart, Tammy Holloway, Andy Buchholz, Bruce Matthews and Patti Godfrey, Hunt Addison and Pete Henderson, Janice Phillips, Harris Phillips, and Warren Phillips, Forest Drummond, Connie Smith, Pete Smith, Pete Smith, Jr., and Karen Edwards.

I place in nomination the name of the following candidate and business for consideration as the 2026 SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR - This award recognizes an individual who embodies servant leadership and what it means to be a Chamber member. The nominee goes above and beyond in the dedication of their time and effort on chamber projects and events.

Previous winners of the award include: Frank "Jay" Abella

I place in nomination the name of the following candidate and business for consideration as the 2026 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR.