Join us for an evening celebrating business excellence and community impact.
Save your spot and be part of what’s flourishing across our region.
Thursday May 14, 2026
5:30 pm – 10:00 pm EDT
CLE Coliseum
Nominations Now Open
Nominate NOW and Win a Trip For Two Anywhere Porter Flies
Sponsored by Maintair Aviation
Business Awards Categories
Small Business Excellence
(1 – 10 Employees)
Medium Business Excellence
(11 – 49 Employees)
Large Business Excellence
(50+ Employees)
Business Person of the Year
Looking Good
Game Changer
New Business Excellence
(1 – 4 years in business)
Young Entrepreneur
Not for Profit
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Customer Service
Quality of Life
Benefits of a Nomination
Self-Recognition: An opportunity to reflect on and document achievements and progress over the past year – a true exercise in self-assessment and introspection.
Acknowledgement: Recognition by a member of the public for you, or your business’ contributions, is an honour that deserves gratitude.
Social Media & Website Promotion: Dedicated social media posts by category for several months and a prominent listing on the Chamber’s website. All nominees are recognized in the event program at the gala.
Awards Gala Exposure: Our Gala hosts 400+ leaders from the business community. Great opportunity for networking and recognition!
Award Presentation: Winners are presented with a physical award on stage at the gala.
Enhanced Media Exposure: An additional press release specifically highlighting the winners, along with professional photos from the event.
Continued Promotion: Winners receive continued exposure through post-event social media posts. Photo in Full Page Chronicle Journal Ad for all winners.
Lasting Recognition: Acknowledgement on the Chamber’s wesite as an Award recipient ensures lasting recognition, solidifying their reputation within the business community.
Business Awards Timeline
Nominations Open January 12, 2026
Registration Opens January 12, 2026
Nominations Close February 27, 2026
Submissions Close March 2, 2026
Dietary Requirements Due May 6, 2026
Gala Date May 14, 2026
Nominee Declaration & Attestation of Good Standing
All nominees must be a member in good standing of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and are required to complete an Attestation of Good Standing and Ethical Conduct. Should concern arise late in the award review process, the Chamber will provide an opportunity for the nominee to voluntarily withhdraw without public explanation.
I hereby attest to the following:
- Good Standing: To the best of my knowledge, I (and/or my business, if applicable) am in good standing with legal, regulatory, and tax authorities, and am not currently subject to any investigation or proceeding that could reasonably be expected to bring the Chamber or this awards program into disrepute.
- Ethical Conduct: I affirm that I have conducted myself and/or my business in an ethical, lawful and responsible manner, consistent with the values and code of conduct of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.
- Accuracy of Information: I confirm that the information provided in my nomination (or provided on my behalf by a nominator) is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
- Consent to Review: I understand that the Chaber nay conduct asic vetting or background checks prior to final selection, nd I consent to such reasonable measures.
- Right to Withdraw: I acknowledge that the Chamber reserves the right to withhold or revoke an award if new information comes to light that, in the Chamber’s sole discretion, may cause reputational harm.
Supported By
Presenting Sponsor
Wine Sponsor
Dinner Sponsor
Reception Sponsor
Gift Sponsor
Media Sponsor
Décor Sponsor
Nomination Sponsor
Award Sponsor: Small Business Excellence
Award Sponsor: Medium Business Excellence
Award Sponsor: Large Business Excellence
Award Sponsor: Business Person of the Year
Award Sponsor: Customer Service
Award Sponsor: Looking Good
Award Sponsor: Game Changer
Award Sponsor: New Business
Award Sponsor: Young Entrepreneur
Award Sponsor: Quality of Life
Award Sponsor: Not for Profit
Award Sponsor: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion