Awards of Distinction Nominations 2026

2026 ATHENA Award Nominee Objective: Recognize an individual for professional achievement and community service, and for actively and generously assisting women in their attainment of professional and leadership skills. 

This award reciepient is selected by the ATHENA International Community based on the The Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership™. All nominees will be shared with them but not publically listed.

Established over 35 years ago to honor the late Chamber Executive, this award recognizes an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the quality of life for citizens of Manitowoc County over a period of time. Qualifications: Nominee must have a history of active participation with The Chamber.

This award is determined by Joseph P. Schmitt "Speak-Up" past award reciepients. All nominees will be shared with them but not publically listed.

 

• Community Nominations: Members and community members nominate deserving individuals, businesses, and organizations.
• Nominee Notification: Nominees are contacted and invited to participate.
• Application: Nominees may choose to submit an application with information supporting their nomination.
• Eligibility for Judging: Only Nominees that only complete applications proceed in the judging process.
• Independent Review: Applications are reviewed and scored by designated Chamber committees and/or Board members.
• Conflict of Interest: Judges must recuse themselves from evaluating any nominee with whom they have a conflict of interest.
• Established Criteria: Judges use predetermined category-specific criteria and scoring guidelines.
• Winner Selection: Scores are compiled and reviewed, by a minimum of 2 independent auditors and winners are confirmed according to the established process.
• Awards Announcement: Winners are announced and celebrated at the Awards of Distinction event.

 

The goal of the process is to provide a consistent, transparent, and fair method for recognizing the outstanding contributions and achievements of nominees throughout Manitowoc County.

2026 Collaboration Award Nominee Objective: Recognizes initiatives, programs, events, or activities that require collaborative efforts of two or more organizations in our community which may include non-profit, government, business, education, service groups, or other groups working together to promote a strong economy and quality of life in Manitowoc County. Qualifications: At least one nominee’s organization/business must have been a member of The Chamber throughout 2026.

Recognize an exceptionally dedicated educator who impacted parents, students or the community beyond the scope of the classroom in 2026 while integrating business and community resources to enhance student learning opportunities. Qualifications: Nominee organization or nominee’s school system must have been a member of The Chamber throughout 2026. Nominee must be an educator in Manitowoc County.

Objective: Recognize a non-profit organization for its dedication to serving our communities in 2026. Qualifications: Nominee must have been a member of The Chamber throughout 2026. Proof of 501(c)(3) status will be required in the application.

Objective: Recognize a Manitowoc County Small Business (0-25 employees) for its growth, success, innovation and contribution to the community during 2026. Qualifications: Nominee business must have been a member of The Chamber throughout 2026.

Objective: Recognize a Manitowoc County Small Business (26-99 employees) for its growth, success, innovation and contribution to the community during 2026. Qualifications: Nominee business must have been a member of The Chamber throughout 2026.

Objective: Recognize a Manitowoc County Large Business/Industry (100+ Employees) for its growth, success, innovation and contribution to the community during 2026. Qualifications: Nominee business must have been a member of The Chamber throughout 2026.