Overview
Annually, the Claremont Chamber of Commerce bestows the following awards to recognize excellence in business leadership, community service, and civic engagement:
- Lela Ackerman Community Service Award
- Businessperson of the Year Award
- Large Business of the Year Award
- Small Business of the Year Award
- Non-Profit of the Year Award
- Entrepreneur of the Year Award
All awards reflect the Chamber’s mission, values, and commitment to the long-term vitality of the Claremont community.
LELA ACKERMAN COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Background
Leila Valentine Ackerman, known as “Lela,” served as the Chamber executive from 1923 to 1944. She was an activist, organizer, visionary, city planner, gardener, advocate, and community builder. Lela brought the City Beautiful Movement to Claremont, leading to the formation of the City Beautiful Club and development of much of Claremont’s civic center, including City Hall, the Santa Fe Depot, the original library, post office, fire and police stations, and the original Chamber building.
She oversaw the formation of Claremont’s first city planning commission and championed comprehensive citywide planning. Her accomplishments include advancements in zoning, infrastructure, flood protection, public amenities, and establishing the Chamber as a central civic and political voice. Much of what defines Claremont today is rooted in Lela Ackerman’s leadership and vision.
Award Purpose
The Lela Ackerman Community Service Award celebrates community service and involvement by recognizing individuals or organizations whose contributions demonstrate excellence in civic, social, and community life in the City of Claremont.
Persons or organizations honored with this award will have consistently demonstrated qualities of compassion, and service to either one organization, a program or project or a variety of volunteer activities.
Eligibility Requirements
- Any individual or organization involved in community service is eligible.
- Charitable activities must be outside the nominee’s employment duties and may not provide monetary or personal benefit.
- Nominees must have lived or worked in Claremont for a minimum of three years at any point prior to nomination. Current residency is not required.
- Projects or programs must have been completed within the past three years.
- Self-nominations are not permitted.
- Posthumous nominations are not permitted.
BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD
Purpose
Recognizes an outstanding business leader whose professional excellence, leadership, and community engagement have contributed significantly to Claremont’s economic and civic vitality.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must own or manage a business for at least three years
- Chamber member for a minimum of three years
- Member in good standing
- Must demonstrate community involvement for at least three years
Award Criteria
- Business sustainability and operational excellence
- Leadership and integrity
- Innovation and adaptability
- Community and professional engagement
- Contribution to Claremont’s economic and social development
Nomination Process
Nominations may be submitted by Chamber members in good standing or by the nominee. Submissions must address the criteria above and may include supporting materials.
LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD
Purpose
Recognizes a Chamber-member business employing more than 50 full-time equivalent employees that demonstrates excellence in operations, ethics, innovation, and community contribution.
Eligibility Requirements
- Chamber member for a minimum of three years
- Member in good standing
Award Criteria
- Growth, stability, or innovation
- Commitment to quality and service
- Ethical business practices
- Workforce development
- Positive and measurable impact on the Claremont community
Nomination Process
Nominations may be submitted by Chamber members in good standing or by the nominee. Submissions must address the criteria above and may include supporting materials.
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD
Purpose
Recognizes a Chamber-member business employing 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees that exemplifies excellence in entrepreneurship and community involvement.
Eligibility Requirements
- Chamber member for a minimum of three years
- Member in good standing
Award Criteria
(Same as Large Business of the Year, scaled appropriately to business size.)
Nomination Process
Nominations may be submitted by Chamber members in good standing or by the nominee. Submissions must address the criteria above and may include supporting materials.
NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR AWARD
Purpose
Recognizes a non-profit organization for outstanding leadership, innovation, and service to the Claremont community.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a 501(c)(3) organization
- Chamber member for a minimum of three years
- Officers and directors are not required to be Chamber members
- Member in good standing
- Self-nominations are permitted
Award Criteria
- Mission alignment and effectiveness
- Demonstrated community leadership
- Collaboration with other non-profits
- Creativity and measurable community impact
Nomination & Selection
- Nominations may be submitted by Chamber members in good standing
Self-nominations are permitted.
- Final approval by the Board of Directors
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Purpose
Recognizes an innovative and driven entrepreneur who has successfully launched or grown a business in Claremont through vision, creativity, and resilience. This award honors individuals who embody the entrepreneurial spirit and contribute to the vibrancy and economic growth of the local community.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must own and actively operate a business in Claremont
- Business must have been established within the past three years
- Chamber member in good standing for a minimum of one year
- Must demonstrate active engagement in the Claremont business community
- Self-nominations are permitted
Award Criteria
- Innovation and originality of business concept
- Business growth, sustainability, and adaptability
- Demonstrated risk-taking, initiative, and perseverance
- Contribution to the local economy and business ecosystem
- Community engagement and collaboration
Nomination & Selection
- Nominations may be submitted by Chamber members in good standing
- Self-nominations are permitted.
- Submissions must reflect the nominee’s entrepreneurial journey, including key milestones, challenges overcome, and impact on the Claremont community.
- Final approval by the Board of Directors