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Awards
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The following awards will be presented at the 2026 Chamber Banquet, as we shift the event to an Awards Gala.  Nominations for Chamber Awards are due Friday, January 16, 2026.
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​Chamber Business of the Year:
Honors a business that has demonstrated outstanding performance, growth, and contribution to the community.
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Business Leader of the Year:
Celebrates an individual who has exhibited exceptional leadership and positively impacted their organization and the broader community.  
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Fair Organization of the Year:
Honors a group that has demonstrated outstanding dedication, service, and support through volunteer efforts that enhance the success and impact of the fair. 
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Fair Volunteer of the Year:
Recognizes an individual who has shown exceptional dedication, service, and commitment to supporting and enhancing the fair through their volunteer efforts. 
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Tourism Excellence Award:
Recognizes a business, individual, or organization that has significantly contributed to promoting local tourism.
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New for 2026:  Washington Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarships
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The Washington Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer the Junior Fair Board $1,000 Scholarship in recognition of outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to the Washington Town & Country Fair. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who has served on the Junior Fair Board and demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting one of our community’s most valued traditions. The recipient will exemplify teamwork, responsibility, and a passion for community involvement, refl ecting the spirit of the Fair and the future leadership of our region.
​The Washington Area Chamber of Commerce is honored to award three $500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. These $500 scholarships recognize students who not only excel in the classroom but also contribute meaningfully to the betterment of their school and local community. The recipients will represent the values of service, initiative, and ambition that the Chamber seeks to support and encourage in the next generation of leaders.
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Outstanding Young Professionals Awards
co-sponsored by The Washington Missourian

​UPDATE:  The next OYP Class will be recognized at the 2026 Chamber Banquet in March.  Deadline for nominations is January 16, 2026.

Click Here for a 2026 nomination form.

Following are the rules and nomination form for the “Outstanding Young Professional Awards.”
 
ELIGIBILITY
Nominees shall be associated with a company or organization which holds a membership with the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce.
Nominees must be 40 years or under as of January 1, 2026.
 
PROCEDURE
A. Nominations are due at the Chamber Office by January 16, 2026.
 
B. Nominations shall consist of the Official Nomination Form, including the following three questions:
— How has the nominee gone above and beyond the call of duty for his or her employment position?
— Tell us about the nominee's involvement in industry-related organizations, including memberships, certifications, leadership roles, and other professional development:
—Tell us about the nominee's involvement in the community(membership/leadership in service organizations, clubs, activities, church/school groups):
 
C. The persons selected to receive awards will be notified to ensure attendance at the Chamber Luncheon.
 
JUDGING
Judging will be done by a committee of five: three from the Membership PR committee of the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce and two from the Washington Missourian.
The committee reserves the right to determine additional persons for consideration.

​The Outstanding Young Professional Awards were created in 2013.  To date, the Chamber and Missourian have honored 164 recipients.  Click Here for information on past OYP Classes.

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