Awards were presented at a special closed presentation on September 3rd at the Crawfordsville Country Club, a delay from the typical Annual Dinner held each May. The presentation was video recorded and released in a special virtual watch party, as guests enjoyed a carry-out dinner special created by Chef Hannah Thompson of the Country Club. Please join us in congratulating the 2020 award honorees and enjoy the event coverage, including video presentation and special interviews from our Green Carpet Correspondents. 
Special thanks to WIMC/WCD/WCVL Radio and Green Carpet Correspondents, Dave Peach and David Long, for the interview coverage. Sponsored by The Zachary Team - Carpenter Realtors.
 The Business of the Year Awards are based on nominations by peers (Chamber members) and voted on by the Board of Directors. 

Small Business of the Year

The Small Business of Year must have 50 employees or fewer. The business demonstrates success in at least one of the following: growth and stability, commitment to quality, creating unique solutions to challenges, and overall contribution to the community. They will be above reproach in the areas of ethics, quality, service, and the development of its human resources. The Small Business of the Year projects a positive community image.
2020: WIMC/WCDQ/WCVL Radio (Forcht Broadcasting)
2019 Recipient: Reclaimed by Grace
2018 Recipient: Jarrod Zachary Welding

Large Business of the Year

The Large Business of Year must employ more than 50 individuals and, like the SBoY, demonstrates success in at least one of the following: growth and stability, commitment to quality, creating unique solutions to challenges, and overall contribution to the community. They will be above reproach in the areas of ethics, quality, service, and the development of its human resources. The Large Business of the Year projects a positive community image.
2020: Crawfordsville Electric Light & Power (CEL&P)
​2019 Recipient: Nucor Steel
2018 Recipient: Hoosier Heartland State Bank

Lew Wallace Entrepreneur of the Year

Entrepreneur of the Year will be awarded to a member in our Entrepreneurial Membership tier, for businesses with fewer than 10 employees which have been in business for 2 years or less. The EoY will possess the same commitment to the community, quality, and service, and creativity in approaching challenges as our business of year recipients. The Entrepreneur of the Year demonstrates an active participation in the Chamber and engages with fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders. 
2020 Recipient: Powerhouse Barbell and Fitness
2019 Recipient: Francis & Mount
2018 Recipient: Backstep Brewing Company

Community Organization of the Year

The Community Organization of the Year will be awarded to a non-profit entity for work which has had a significant impact on the community. The recipient will have accomplished a meaningful outcome (or made notable strides toward) solving a community issue or addressing a need that greatly impacts the community as a whole. Please include specific accomplishments, programs, or initiatives and their scope of impact.

Nominees in this category may include public and higher education schools, faith-based organizations, ministries, service organizations, or any other not-for-profit entity who is a chamber member.
2020 Inaugural Recipient: Montgomery County Community Foundation

Champion of Change

The Champion of Change will be awarded to an individual who has demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in the work place. Nominees will have succesfully brought about or significantly influenced cultural change in the areas of diversity and equality. 
2020 Inaugural Recipient: Mayor Todd Barton, City of Crawfordsville

Woman of the Year

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Honors a woman business owner, or non-profit or business leader. Nominees may be women who have founded and run their own company, are exceptional leaders in the workplace and community, have achieved an exceptional professional accomplishment in the past year, and/or invest in the development of other women in the business community as a mentor. 
2020 Inaugural Recipient: Cheryl Morphew, CRMorphew Consulting, LLC & City of Crawfordsville

Rising Star: Young Professional of the Year

Young professionals are essential to the sustainability of local business. The Rising Star will be awarded to an up-and-coming professional who embodies our mission of "advancing a vibrant business community" in the workplace and community at large. A Rising Star is an excellent role model who strives for continuous improvement for their organization as well as their personal development in their profession.  The ideal nominee will demonstrate innovation, passion, and be a vibrant professional under the age of 40 - someone to look out for on the horizon!
2020 Inaugural Recipient: Cody Hargis, Hoosier Heartland State Bank