Click below to download the 2025 Award Nomination Form or the list of past winners. Return the completed nomination form to [email protected] by September 20, 2024.
Represents the highest recognition given by the Chamber to an individual member of the business community. Candidates must be or have been active in the Wayne County business community, with the following criteria: demonstrated leadership, success in promoting the development of the community, overall involvement in and contributions to the community, participation in professional activities and respected reputation among the community’s leadership. Elected officials while in office are not eligible. Only members of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce are eligible.
Bob Rosa Buy Local Award
To be given to a person or business that has promoted the Wayne county business community through their business practices and has consistently demonstrated the highest level of integrity and honesty in the manner in which they conduct business; working to identify and utilize area vendors and service providers in the operation of their business and promoting the same practices among other area business. This includes working to enhance the Wayne County Area through involvement in volunteer activities that positively impact the Wayne County business environment.
Educator of the Year
This award provides an opportunity for the business community to publicly honor a Wayne County educator who has distinguished themselves through exceptional accomplishments within educational and community environments. The nomination should include outstanding student, school and/or community involvement as well as other achievements. Anyone may nominate a full-time educator. This includes classroom teachers/professors, administrators, counselors or other professional education classifications. Open to member and non-member nominations. (Mail or email a photo with this nomination.)
Educator of the Year for Higher Education
This award goes to an individual serving the higher education population in Wayne County with exceptional leadership, innovative techniques, and community involvement. Their leadership provides our community with a strong future workforce that will lead Wayne County to a brighter future.
Partnership in Education
The award is to be presented to a business or organization that has created and fostered partnerships with P-16 educational institutions. These partnerships should exemplify service to the community through effective programs of cooperation between business and educational institutions to prepare students for the workplaces of today and tomorrow. Members and non-members of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce are eligible.
Corporation of the Year
Represents the highest recognition given by the Chamber to a business/corporation. Candidates must be or have been active in the Wayne County community and be a business/corporation that most exemplifies being a good corporate citizen of the community. Only members of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce are eligible.
Achievement of Excellence - Large Business & Small Business
To be given to a large and a small business that have made a positive impact on Wayne County by their superior or unique accomplishments in the operation of their business or other endeavors. Only members of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce are eligible.
Achievement of Excellence - Non-Profit
To be given to an organization that has made a positive impact on Wayne County by their superior or unique accomplishments in the operation of their organization or other endeavors. Only members of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce are eligible.
Emergency Services Professional of the Year
The award is presented to an emergency services professional for exemplary service rendered to the community. In making this award, we recognize the professionalism required of our firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical personnel, the inherent risks they all take in order for us to be safe and secure in our respective homes and places of work. We recognize the importance of public safety and those who professionally serve to enhance our safety. In recognizing any one person or group, we in effect aspire to recognize and thank them all.
Young Professional of the Year
This award is presented to a young professional (21-40) in the Wayne County area who has demonstrated success in their career and made a significant contribution to our community. Their creativity, dedication, and commitment to identifying innovative solutions will help shape the future of Wayne County.
Outstanding Service to Agriculture
Agribusiness is an important part of the Wayne County Economy. The award is to be given to an individual or organization that has made an impact on the Wayne County agricultural community (and beyond) through and on behalf of agribusiness endeavors. Recipient may be farmers or represent other facets of agribusiness. Members and non-members of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce are eligible for this award.
Champion of Diversity
The Champion of Diversity Award will go to an individual or an organization that demonstrates unique leadership and success in one of the following ways:
Diversifying the racial/cultural composition of the workforce.
Including historically underrepresented persons in decision making bodies (such as boards, committees, leadership, etc.) and/or through decision making processes.
Providing educational opportunities in implicit bias training or other topics related to diversity & inclusion.
Skilling up underserved populations to prepare them for workplace opportunities.
The recipient’s success will be a model for replication in other like organizations or across sectors.
