The Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award recognizes and honors those who live or work in the Charleston area and have demonstrated an active leadership role for the betterment of the community through involvement in business, civic, social and /or service organizations.   

The following criteria will be used to evaluate and judge nominations for the award.  

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION: 

¨ Nominee must live and/or work in the Charleston area. 

¨ Nominee has demonstrated an active leadership role for the betterment of the community through involvement in business, civic, social and/or service organizations. 

¨ Nominee provided leadership, contributions or service that led to a significant accomplishment and ultimately made a real difference in the Charleston area. 

¨ Nominee demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their business, profession or service. 

¨ A level of personal commitment shown by devoting time and energy to achieving our vision of a thriving Charleston area where people work, shop, and socialize. 

¨ Nominee supports others to develop and reach their full leadership potential. 

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:  

¨ Attach any documentation, letters of support, testimonials, previous awards and other recognitions, etc. to support the nomination based on the criteria for selection.  

¨ Attach the form below with the nomination.   

¨ Submit the nomination by the deadline listed below. 

The award will be presented to the recipient at the Chamber Annual Dinner on April 25, 2026. 

Nominee(s) _________________________________ Phone_______________________________________ 

Address _____________________________ City ________________________ State/Zip____________________ 

Email Address ______________________________Business/Organization _______________________________ 

Nominated by_____________________________________ Phone____________________________________ 

Relationship to Nominee(s): _____________________________________________________________________ 

Write a few brief reasons the nominated individual exemplifies the criteria listed above: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

The Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award was created to recognize and honor businesses who have demonstrated the “best practices” of creativity, professional excellence, and community service.  

The following criteria will be used to evaluate and judge nominations for the award.   

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION: 

¨ Must be a for-profit or not-for-profit business headquartered in Coles County 

¨ Financially stable and operational for a minimum of three years 

¨ Must be a member of the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce for at least one year at the time the award is presented.  

¨ Must provide exemplary customer service 

¨ Must show initiative aimed at employee retention and satisfaction 

¨ Must show unique and innovative approaches to business challenges 

¨ Must show involvement and/or contributions in the community and/or Chamber related programs 

¨ Include if applicable previous professional awards, recognitions, commendations or ratings including those from peers and/or business associates 

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:  

¨ Attach any documentation, letters of support, testimonials, previous awards and other recognitions, etc. to support the nomination based on the criteria for selection.  

¨ Attach the form below with the nomination.   

¨ Submit the nomination by the deadline listed below. 

The award will be presented to the recipient at the Chamber Annual Dinner on April 25, 2026. 

 Business Nominee_____________________________________________________________________________ 

Contact _______________________________________________  Title _________________________________ 

Address ____________________________________City _____________________ State/Zip _______________  

Phone _____________________________________  Email ___________________________________________ 

Nominated by __________________________________________  Phone ________________________________ 

Nominator’s Business __________________________________________________________________________ 

Write a few brief reasons the nominated business exemplifies the criteria listed above: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________