The Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce is once again looking to recognize the businesses, organizations and individuals making a difference across Norfolk County.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Outstanding Business Achievement Awards, with the annual gala scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Delhi German Home.
The awards celebrate excellence across a wide range of industries and community sectors, recognizing achievements in business innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, tourism, community service and volunteerism.
Community members are encouraged to nominate businesses, organizations and individuals they believe have made a significant impact over the past year. Businesses can be nominated in more than one category, and self-nominations are also welcome.
This year’s gala will feature 10 award categories.
Among them is the Outstanding Business Achievement Award – Service/Retail, sponsored by Toyotetsu Canada, which recognizes established retail or service businesses that have demonstrated innovation, community involvement and responsible business practices.
Agricultural and industrial businesses will once again be eligible for the Outstanding Business Achievement Award – Agribusiness/Industrial, sponsored by Millards. The award recognizes organizations that have demonstrated leadership through innovation, job creation and community engagement.
Community organizations are also eligible for recognition through the Excellence in Community Service and Engagement Award, sponsored by Good Redden Klosler, which honours non-profit organizations and charities that provide exceptional service to Norfolk County residents.
Employers committed to creating inclusive workplaces can be nominated for the IDEA Award—standing for Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility—which is sponsored and selected by the Norfolk Association for Community Living. The award recognizes employers who foster accessible workplaces and encourage the inclusion of people with disabilities as equal members of their teams.
Entrepreneurship will also be highlighted through the Outstanding Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by JRL Wealth Management. The honour recognizes individuals who have built businesses from the ground up while demonstrating innovation, leadership and strong community involvement.
Young business leaders aged 25 and under are eligible for the Fanshawe College Simcoe Young Leader Award, which celebrates entrepreneurship, creativity and leadership among Norfolk County’s next generation of business professionals.
Norfolk’s tourism sector will be recognized through the Excellence in Hospitality and Tourism Award, sponsored by Norfolk County Tourism and Economic Development. The award honours businesses that have demonstrated outstanding customer service while helping promote Norfolk County as a destination for visitors.
The Chamber is also seeking nominations for the Citizen of the Year Award, sponsored by Tatjana Burcul ARC Benefits. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant volunteer contributions to the community through leadership, fundraising, charitable work, arts, sports, education, health care or other community initiatives beyond their employment.
Businesses with a long history in Norfolk County can be considered for the Stelco Legacy Award, which recognizes organizations that have operated under the same name for at least 50 years and have demonstrated decades of service to the community.
Rounding out this year’s categories is the Women in Business Achievement Award, sponsored by Jane Bradley of Edward Jones Simcoe. The award celebrates women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, business growth, resilience and a commitment to mentoring others while giving back to the community.
The Chamber says nominations are open to any eligible business, organization or individual operating in Norfolk County.
Nomination forms are available now, with submissions helping determine the finalists who will be honoured during November’s awards gala.
Tickets for the Outstanding Business Achievement Awards Gala are expected to go on sale in mid-September.
The Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce says sponsorship opportunities also remain available for businesses interested in supporting the annual event.
To learn more, click here.
