Pick the business that truly shines. Your vote decides who gets the glory!
See below for categories and nominees
Three paths to greatness.
The Outstanding Non-Profit Award recognizes an exceptional organization that has demonstrated:
Mission-First Excellence: A clear commitment to advancing its core mission through impactful programming and ethical leadership.
Significant 2025 Achievements: Noteworthy accomplishments in 2025 that addressed urgent community needs, expanded services, or introduced innovative solutions.
Community Impact: Tangible, measurable outcomes that have improved quality of life, fostered inclusion, or strengthened the local social fabric.
Collaboration and Partnership: Successful efforts to work with other organizations, government agencies, or community groups to enhance reach and effectiveness.
Sustainability and Growth: Strategic planning and resource development that ensured long-term stability and continued relevance.
Leadership in the Sector: Serving as a role model for other non-profits through transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to emerging challenges.
This award celebrates a non-profit that not only delivered on its mission in 2025—but did so in a way that will leave a lasting legacy in the community it serves.
The nominees are:
THRIVE WELLness and Recovery
Hospice of Jefferson County
HarmoNNY Performing Arts Community
Emerging Business Award (5 Years or Less)
Celebrating Innovation, Growth & Community Connection
This award honors a young business (established within the last five years) that has demonstrated:
Remarkable 2025 Milestones: Significant achievements in 2025 such as product/service launches, expansion, new markets, or standout performance in a competitive industry.
Innovative Thinking: A bold and creative approach to business that sets them apart—whether through technology, design, customer experience, or business model.
Rapid and Sustainable Growth: Clear evidence of business development, including revenue, staffing, market reach, or strategic scaling efforts.
Strong Community Connection: Active engagement in local initiatives, support for fellow businesses, or contributions to community well-being and economic vitality.
Leadership and Vision: Forward-thinking leadership that inspires teams, adapts to change, and plans ambitiously for the future.
Positive Brand Identity: A compelling brand that resonates with customers and reflects the values of integrity, quality, and service.
This award celebrates a rising business star whose early success signals a bright and lasting future—both in their industry and in their community.
The Nominees are:
Bad Apple Downtown
Developing with Devan
GRO Energy Solutions
Legacy Business Award (20+ Years)
Honoring Sustained Excellence and Commitment to Community
This award recognizes a long-standing business (operating for 20 years or more) that exemplifies:
Decades of Dedication: A proven track record of consistent service, quality, and reliability over the past two decades or more.
Outstanding 2025 Contributions: Notable accomplishments or milestones reached in 2025 that reflect continued relevance, innovation, or community engagement.
Enduring Community Impact: A history of giving back through sponsorships, volunteerism, philanthropy, and local leadership.
Resilience and Adaptability: The ability to evolve with changing times, overcome challenges, and maintain a strong presence in the marketplace.
Workplace Legacy: A culture of employee loyalty, mentorship, and leadership development that has stood the test of time.
Trusted Reputation: A respected brand identity built on integrity, relationships, and longstanding customer satisfaction.
This award honors a business that has not only stood the test of time—but continues to move forward while leaving a meaningful mark on the community it has served for generations.
The nominees are:
Advocate Drum
Massey’s Furniture Barn
Rhonda’s Footeworks
HTML Builder