Who Inspires You? Springfield Chamber Inspire Excellence Awards Accepting Nominations
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has opened nomination forms for their Inspire Excellence Annual Awards! Through December 10th, the Springfield Chamber invites you to submit nominations for businesses or individuals who have done exceptional work to contribute to Springfield’s successes in 2025.
Every year, these awards are a reflection of the excellence, innovation, and dedication of local leaders and businesses who embody the values of the Chamber and enrich the community.
The Inspire Excellence Annual Awards will take place on Thursday, February 26th, 2026 at the Richard E. Wildish Community Theater in downtown Springfield to honor those who have gone above and beyond in building community, fostering a prosperous economy, and providing exceptional leadership.
The Springfield Chamber is currently accepting nominations for the following awards through Wednesday, December 10th:
Nomination details
- Any member of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce may submit an award nomination.
- Nominees must be members of the Springfield Chamber, with the exception of the Distinguished Citizen award.
- A business or individual cannot be nominated for an award they have received within the past 15 years (you will find lists of previous award recipients in each nomination form).
- The Awards Selection Committee will determine award recipients based on qualifying information pertaining to the award criteria.
Award recipients will be announced and honored at the Inspire Excellence Annual Awards at the Wildish Theater on Thursday, February 26th, 2026.
BUSINESS AWARD CRITERIA
PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY
A deserving recipient of the 2025 Pillar of the Community Award is an organization that has made a long-standing impact on the community. It is a company that has had significant impacts on employment, innovation, and stability, and contributes to the community beyond their core business.
2024 Pillar of the Community:
Rosboro
INDIVIDUAL AWARD CRITERIA
BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
This Business Person of the Year is an individual who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in their organization, profession, industry and community. The recipient will have demonstrated a personal commitment to Springfield, integrity and excellence in business, quality customer service, and fosters a positive workplace environment.
2024 Business Person of the Year:
Jessica Ahrenholtz | NextStep Recycling
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
A deserving recipient of the 2025 Business of the Year award is a business that has had an exceptional year based upon an expansion, opening, or a turnaround. The Business of the Year has, and continues to make, a community-wide impact.
2024 Business of the Year:
IEQ Technology
DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN
The Distinguished Citizen award recognizes an individual in our community who has demonstrated exemplary civic leadership. The recipient will have made substantial contributions to the business community and civic enterprises over time.
2024 Distinguished Citizen:
Roger Wong | Lane SBDC
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
A deserving recipient of the 2025 Employer of the Year Award recognizes an organization in our community that demonstrates exceptional commitment to its employees. They are dedicated to providing professional development and advancement opportunities, focus on workplace culture, employee recognition, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
2024 Employer of the Year:
Connected Lane County
EMERGING LEADER
The Emerging Leader award recognizes an individual in our community who exhibits exemplary leadership in volunteer work and civic engagement, demonstrating a marked commitment to their professional and leadership development. They have risen to prominence through their community and demonstrate great potential for positive impact in the years to come.
2024 Emerging Leader:
Liz Tate | Mereté Hotel Management
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