Nominations OPEN FEBRUARY 2026!
THE AWARDS & CRITERIA:
Spirit of the Community nominees must meet each of these specific criteria:
Provide meaningful service by giving their time and energy to care for the community, improve the quality of life for others, and foster a stronger sense of community, while demonstrating leadership and initiative in developing or expanding volunteer efforts.
Outstanding Citizen nominees must meet the following criteria:
Demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession, and
Provide valuable service by devoting time and energy to improve the business climate and the quality of life for others in the community, and
Assist others in developing and utilizing their full leadership potential.
Businesses Nominated for Dawna Marie Emerging Business Award must meet this criteria:
Demonstrate early growth, innovation, and operational excellence with strong potential for long-term success.
Show early commitment to the local community through involvement, partnerships, or service.
Be intentionally building a positive workplace culture and leadership foundation.
Deliver high-quality service or performance and establish a strong reputation in a short period of time.
Businesses nominated for Business Excellence Award (Legacy Business) must meet the following criteria:
Demonstrate sustained growth, innovation, and operational excellence that contributes to economic stability and job creation.
Show consistent investment in the local community through involvement, partnerships, or philanthropy.
Maintain a strong workplace culture with a commitment to employee development and leadership.
Consistently deliver high-quality service or performance to customers, clients, or stakeholders.
COMPLETING THE FORM:
Nominations must be submitted on supplied nomination form (Submitted via our online submission form)
Initial nomination process has been simplified.
Please take time to thoroughly review the nomination form and provide detailed, measurable information that highlights your nominee’s involvement, accomplishments, and leadership. The more complete and specific your submission, the more helpful it will be to those selecting the recipient of this prestigious award.
THE PROCESS:
A selection committee comprised of Award alumni & Community Leaders will review all nominations and select both the Spirit of the Community recipient Outstanding Citizen, and Business Excellence Awards
Announcement: June 24th,2026
During: Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala @ NanBop Farms. Tickets now available. (Theme: Garden Soiree)
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Thursday April 30th, 2026. (This is the final date for all information, if waiting till deadline to nominate, must have information readily available for jury)
