​Annual Banquet Award Nominations

The Lancaster Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to submit nominations for our annual awards. These awards recognize the businesses, organizations, and individuals who make a meaningful impact on our community.

Please nominate the business, organization, or individual you feel best fits each award category. The Chamber Board of Directors will review all nominations and select the award recipients.

Nomination Deadline: January 31
February 12 | 5PM | Vesperman Farms

Categories:
• Educator of the Year
 •Business Improvement Award
• Citizen of the Year
• Business Leader of the Year
• New Business of the Year 
• Business of the Year
• Outstanding Organization or Non Profit
• Lifetime Achievement Award

Anyone may submit nominations, and nominations may be submitted in multiple categories. Any person, business, or organization located in or serving the Lancaster area is eligible.

Award Categories & Criteria

​​Educator of the Year
Presented to an outstanding Lancaster School District or St. Clement School employee who demonstrates exceptional dedication to students and the community. The recipient has made consistent contributions beyond the classroom and generously donates time to student activities, events, and projects. This individual serves as a positive role model within the schools and the Lancaster community.

Business Improvement Award
Recognizes a business that has made a significant investment in growth or improvement during the past year. Qualifying improvements include major renovations to the exterior or interior of a building, building expansions, construction of a new facility, workforce expansion, or significant product or design enhancements.
General cosmetic updates such as paint, flooring, or signage alone do not qualify.

Citizen of the Year
Awarded to an outstanding volunteer who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Lancaster Area Chamber of Commerce and the community. The recipient has contributed significant time and effort to Chamber events, programs, or projects and exemplifies community pride, service, and leadership.

Business Leader of the Year
This award honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to both their business and the Lancaster community. Criteria include community involvement, volunteerism, strong business practices, and leadership on local business and community initiatives.

New Business of the Year
Recognizes a new or newly expanded business that has opened within the past two years and has made a positive impact on the Lancaster community. Criteria include innovation, customer service, community involvement, growth potential, and overall contribution to the local economy.

Business of the Year
Presented to a Chamber member business that has made significant contributions to the Chamber and the Lancaster community throughout the year. Criteria include leadership demonstrated by ownership and employees, community service, volunteerism, business growth, customer service excellence, innovative practices, and adherence to high ethical standards.

Outstanding Organization or Non-Profit
Recognizes a nonprofit or community organization that has demonstrated outstanding service and measurable impact within the Lancaster area. The recipient has shown leadership, effectiveness, and tangible benefits through their initiatives and programs.

Lifetime Achievement Award
​Honors an individual who has made lasting and significant contributions to the Lancaster business community over their lifetime. Criteria include long-standing community service, volunteerism, exceptional business practices, professional success, and demonstrated leadership on business and community issues.