41st Annual Richmond Chamber Awards Banquet
Join the Richmond Chamber of Commerce as we recognize the businesses, organizations, and individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment continue to strengthen Richmond and Madison County.

​Thursday, November 19, 2026
EKU Keen Johnson Ballroom
​Reception: 6 p.m.
Dinner: 7 p.m.
Awards: 7:30 p.m.
Ticket Sales: October 1–31, 2026
Individual Tickets: $85
Tables of Eight: $600
Seating is limited, and tickets may sell out before ticket sales close on October 31.
Award Nominations
Nominations for the 41st Annual Chamber Awards will be accepted September 14–28, 2026.
​All nominations must be received by 5 p.m. on September 28. Self-nominations are welcome. A separate form must be submitted for each nominee. Please review the eligibility requirements and selection criteria below before submitting a nomination.
2026 General Nomination Information
  • Self-nominations are accepted.
  • Multiple nominations may be submitted.
  • A separate form is required for each nominee.
  • Previous award recipients may be nominated again.
  • When employee count determines an award category, permanent full-time and part-time employees are counted individually.
  • Seasonal workers, temporary workers, independent contractors, and volunteers are not included in employee counts.
  • Chamber membership requirements vary by award and are noted in each award's eligibility section.
Selection Process
  • All nominations and Awards Selection Committee deliberations are confidential.
  • Nominations will be reviewed according to the published eligibility requirements and selection criteria, using the information provided in each submission. Awards are not determined by public vote. The Awards Selection Committee’s decisions are final.
  • Selected finalists will be notified beginning October 1, 2026. 
  • Winners will be announced at the 41st Annual Richmond Chamber Awards Banquet on November 19, 2026.
2026 Award Eligibility and Selection Criteria
​Agriculture Award
Eligibility
An individual or agribusiness recognized for dedicating time, experience, and effort to the advancement of agriculture through increased production, market development, and agricultural programs in Madison County, Kentucky.
Selection Criteria
The nominee should demonstrate:
  • Active involvement in a farm-related organization
  • Active engagement in farming or an agriculture-related business
  • Service on local, state, or federal committees supporting farmers, agricultural programs, or market development
  • Selfless service to the agricultural community, often through the contribution of personal time and resources
  • Active membership in the Richmond Chamber of Commerce

​Ambassador of the Year Award
Eligibility
A current Richmond Chamber Ambassador who has remained in good standing throughout the 2026 service year.
Selection Criteria
The nominee should demonstrate:
  • Consistent attendance and participation in Chamber programs and events
  • A welcoming and professional presence
  • Meaningful engagement with Chamber members and the community
  • Dependability, initiative, and teamwork
  • Strong advocacy for the Chamber and its mission
  • A positive overall impact during the 2026 service year

B. Michael Caudill Educator of the Year Award
​Eligibility
An education professional who has made a significant contribution through education to improve Richmond and Madison County.
Chamber membership is not required.
Selection Criteria
The nominee should demonstrate:
  • Dedication and commitment to education and the community
  • Competence and resourcefulness in strengthening relationships between education and business
  • Recognition by colleagues as an outstanding education professional
  • Respect from students, colleagues, and peers
  • A meaningful and positive impact through education

Business of the Year Award
Eligibility
A for-profit business providing goods or services and employing 21 or more permanent employees. The nominee must be an active Richmond Chamber of Commerce member.
Selection Criteria
The nominee should demonstrate:
  • Strong corporate citizenship and community involvement
  • Support for charitable and civic activities, including encouraging employee participation
  • Demonstrated success and stability
  • The provision of stable employment opportunities
  • Community involvement appropriate to the organization’s size and resources
  • Competitiveness and high ethical standards

Chris & Gracie Hager Beautification Award
Eligibility
A member business or entity dedicated to enhancing the beauty of Richmond or Madison County through physical improvements to its property.
The nominee must be an active Richmond Chamber of Commerce member.
Selection Criteria
The nominee should demonstrate:
  • Exterior improvements completed within the past 12 months
  • A significant and visible enhancement to the property
  • Thoughtful use of design, landscaping, restoration, maintenance, or adaptive reuse
  • A positive effect on the surrounding neighborhood or community image
  • Improvements that provide lasting value to the property and community

Community Service Award
Eligibility
An individual or organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Richmond and Madison County through community service.
The nominee must be an active Richmond Chamber of Commerce member or affiliated with an active member organization.
Selection Criteria
The nominee should demonstrate:
  • Consistent dedication of time, effort, and talents
  • Service addressing an identified community need
  • A meaningful benefit to residents of Richmond or Madison County
  • Collaboration with other individuals or organizations
  • Sustained compassion, responsibility, and commitment to improving the community
More than one Community Service Award may be presented when warranted.

Howard & Neal Colyer Dedication Award
Eligibility
A Richmond Chamber of Commerce member who has devoted time and talents to advancing the Chamber’s mission.
Selection Criteria
The nominee should demonstrate:
  • Active participation in Chamber programs and activities
  • Promotion of Chamber membership and member involvement
  • Contributions of leadership, expertise, time, talents, or resources
  • A significant impact on Chamber goals and operations during the 2026 program year
  • Dependability, collaboration, and commitment to the Chamber’s mission
  • Active membership in the Richmond Chamber of Commerce
Industry Award
​Eligibility
An industrial business or organization that directly contributes to or supports the growth, development, and success of industry in Richmond and Madison County.
Selection Criteria
The nominee should demonstrate:
  • A meaningful contribution to industrial or economic development
  • Support for employment, workforce development, expansion, investment, or innovation
  • Efforts that strengthen Richmond and Madison County as a place for industries to locate, operate, and grow
  • Strong leadership, collaboration, and ethical practices
  • Active membership in the Richmond Chamber of Commerce

​Minority Business/Businessperson of the Year Award
Eligibility
A minority-owned or minority-led member business, or a minority businessperson affiliated with a member business, providing goods or services for profit.
The nominee must be an active Richmond Chamber of Commerce member or affiliated with an active member organization.
Selection Criteria
The nominee should demonstrate:
  • Strong community citizenship
  • Support for charitable and civic activities
  • Demonstrated success and stability
  • The provision of stable employment opportunities
  • Community involvement appropriate to available resources
  • Competitiveness and high ethical standards
  • A meaningful contribution to Richmond and Madison County

Nonprofit of the Year Award
Eligibility
A nonprofit organization whose programs, services, or outreach benefit Richmond and Madison County.
Selection Criteria
The nominee should demonstrate:
  • Dedication of resources and time to addressing community needs
  • A meaningful and positive impact
  • Responsible and effective use of resources
  • Strong partnerships and community involvement
  • A sustained commitment to improving quality of life in Richmond and Madison County
  • Active membership in the Richmond Chamber of Commerce

​Small Business of the Year Award
Eligibility
A for-profit business providing goods or services and employing 20 or fewer permanent employees. 
Selection Criteria
The nominee should demonstrate:
  • Strong community citizenship
  • Support for charitable and civic activities, including encouraging employee participation
  • Demonstrated success and stability
  • The provision of stable employment opportunities
  • Community involvement appropriate to the organization’s size and resources
  • Competitiveness and high ethical standards
  • Active membership in the Richmond Chamber of Commerce

​Wallace G. Maffett Award
Eligibility
An individual who has devoted time, experience, and effort to promoting Richmond and improving the quality of life for its citizens without regard for personal gain.
The nominee must be an active Richmond Chamber of Commerce member or affiliated with an active member organization.
Selection Criteria
The nominee should demonstrate:
  • Continual and meaningful community service
  • A genuine interest in Richmond and Madison County
  • A positive impact on Richmond’s quality of life
  • Service motivated by the good of the community rather than personal recognition or gain

​Young Professional of the Year Award
Eligibility
An individual who is 40 years of age or younger, and is employed by or owns an active Richmond Chamber of Commerce member organization.
Selection Criteria
The nominee should demonstrate:
  • Professional excellence and leadership
  • Meaningful contributions to the community
  • A positive impact in the workplace, profession, or community
  • Continued leadership potential in Richmond and Madison County
  • Integrity, collaboration, and commitment to others

Submit Your Nominations​
All nominations must be received by 5 p.m. on September 28.
​Self-nominations are welcome. A separate form must be submitted for each nominee.
© 2026 Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Inc. 
201 East Main Street | Richmond, KY 40475 | 859.623.1720