 | The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce's highly anticipated event, the Annual Meeting & Community Awards, unfolds each September, serving as the pinnacle of our calendar. Doors open at 6:00pm with a cocktail reception, dinner at 6:30pm, and the program beginning at 7:00pm on Wednesday, September 16th at the Bloomington Convention Center.
This meeting provides an exclusive year-in-review, highlighting our combined triumphs, showcasing noteworthy member achievements, and offering a comprehensive insight into the future direction of The Chamber. This opportunity allows you to be in sync with our strategic vision, positioning you to better leverage the Chamber's resources in the upcoming year.
The Annual Meeting & Community Awards is the platform where we honor our members who have significantly contributed to our shared success. Those nominated for a variety of prestigious awards are given the limelight they deserve. These esteemed members are profiled in special video interviews, sharing insights into their businesses and organizations. Witnessing their journeys first-hand offers an opportunity for learning, inspiration, and networking – a chance to forge stronger relationships and understand successful business strategies.
We will be awarding the "Best of the Best" host for Business After Hours from this past fiscal year (September 2025-August 2026). The Chamber is also collecting employer and employee feedback for its Best Places to Work recognition through August 28, with those honorees to be announced separately in the coming weeks.
This year’s awards (winners will be announced in late August):
- New Business of the Year: Wild Birds Unlimited
- Recognizes a business or organization that has existed for less than five years.
- Business of the Year: Bell Trace Senior Living Community
- Recognizes a business or organization that has existed for five years or more.
- Community Anchor: Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County
- Recognizes a business or organization that has contributed positively to the local community over a sustained period.
- Beset Places to Work: (To be announced in early September)
- Recognizes the area’s best employers and provide organizations with valuable employee feedback.
- 4 Under 40 Awards: Kylie Farris (Monroe County Clerk’s Office), Kiley Jarrett (Bloomington High School North), Wyatt Lawson (Community Justice and Mediation Center), and Victoria Wisley (Bruster’s Ice Cream)
- Recognizes young professionals that make a significant impact within their organization through their leadership and work ethic, while also giving back to the community through civic involvement.
- Outstanding Educator Awards: Lisa Beeman (Edgewood Junior High School), Heather Kensek (Edgewood Early Childhood), Andrea McCadden (Highland Park Elementary School), Amy Rickert (Batchelor Middle School), Brian Rosenburgh (Edgewood High School), and Jamie Tremblay (Arlington Elementary School)
- Outstanding Educator - Lifetime Achievement Awards: Dirk Ackerman (Edgewood High School), and Mary Wicker (Fairview Elementary School)
- Recognizes an individual teacher, program director, counselor, administrator, or staff member at Monroe County Community School Corporation or Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation that impacts students in a positive way and works to advance the profession.
- Lifetime Achievement: Darby A. McCarty (Smithville)
- Recognizes individuals who have had a measurable impact on our community over a sustained period.
An award will also be given for the “Best of the Best” Business After Hours host and is voted on by Chamber members who have attended Business After Hours events from September 2025-August 2026. “Best of the Best” will be announced at the Annual Meeting.
The Annual Meeting & Community Awards is a celebration of our shared journey, a window into the future, and a priceless opportunity for growth and networking.
Interested in sponsoring this event? Check out these Sponsorship Opportunities and email Director of Communications & Events, Kaytee Lorentzen, with your selection.
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