Every year, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce recognizes Chamber Members who have made outstanding achievements and contributions in the Crawfordsville and Montgomery County area. Award recipients are businesses, non-profits, and individuals who make up our vibrant business community. These recipients are celebrated at the Annual Dinner and Awards Program.

Check back soon for the chance to nominate 2022 Business of the Year Award winners!

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SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

The Small Business of Year has 50 employees or fewer and has  demonstrated 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 are 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.

Recent Recipients:
​2021    Brother's Pizza Company
2020    WCDQ/WCVL/WIMC Radio
2019    Reclaimed by Grace
2018    Jarrod Zachary Welding

WCDQ/WCVL/WIMC Radio General Manager Dave Peach with David Long, On Air Contributor, accept the 2020 Small Business of the Year award.

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

The Large Business of Year employs 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 are 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.

Recent Recipients:
2021    Banjo Corporation
2020    Crawfordsville Electric Light & Power (CEL&P)
2019    Nucor Steel
​2018    Hoosier Heartland State Bank

LEW WALLACE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

The Entrepreneur of the Year possesses a commitment to community, quality, and service, and creativity in approaching challenges. The Entrepreneur of the Year demonstrates an active participation in the Chamber and engages with fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders. 

Recent Recipients:
2021    Healthies
2020    Powerhouse Barbell & Fitness
2019    Francis & Mount
​2018    Backstep Brewing Company

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR

The Community Organization of the Year is awarded to a non-profit entity for work which has had a significant impact on the community. The recipient has 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. 

Recent Recipients:
2021    Through the Gate
​2020    Montgomery County Community Foundation

Montgomery County Community Foundation President Joyce Grimble and Executive Director Kelly Taylor walk the Green Carpet to accept the inaugural Community Organization of the Year Award. Thank you, MCCF, for your work which empowers so many other critical non-profit services in Montgomery County to carry out their own missions, and especially for being the light on the path through the pandemic!

CHAMPION OF CHANGE

The Champion of Change is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Awardees have successfully brought about or significantly influenced cultural change in the areas of diversity and equality. 

Recent Recipients:
​2021    Jill Knowling of Walmart Optical
​2020    Mayor Todd Barton

Mayor Todd Barton, 2020 Champion of Change award recipient poses on the Green Carpet. Mayor Barton was selected as the inaugural honoree for his leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic as well as addressing social issues, such as racial equality and police reform, as they pertain to our community.

WOMAN OF THE YEAR

The Woman of the Year is a woman business owner, or non-profit or business leader 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. 

Recent Recipients:
2021    Sue Lucas of Crawfordsville Mainstreet
2020    Cheryl Morphew, CRMorphew Consulting - City of Crawfordsville​

2020 Chamber Woman of the Year was presented to Cheryl Morphew for her work in Economic Development for the City of Crawfordsville. Thank you, Cheryl, for all you do to help our business ecosystem thrive and for all you do for the Chamber!

RISING STAR: YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Young professionals are essential to the sustainability of local business. The Rising Star is 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 awardee demonstrates innovation, passion, and is a vibrant professional under the age of 40 - someone to look out for on the horizon!

Inaugural Recipient:
2021    Jim Johnson
​2020    Cody Hargis, Hoosier Heartland State Bank

Cody Hargis, Hoosier Heartland State Bank, accepts the inaugural Rising Star: Young Professional of the Year Award in 2020. Cody (far right) is pictured here with Chamber Board President, Tracy Mobley, VP Steve Zachary, and Board Member John Hetrick. Congratulations, Cody, and thank you for your service to the Chamber and the business community!

NEW FOR 2021 | Emerald Educators

Sponsored by Duke Energy, the Emerald Educator awards recognized the outstanding innovation, adaptability, and compassion shown by K-12 educators in the response to the needs of their students during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This award recognizes the educators of each of the three Montgomery County school corporations.