Greater Good Award Categories

 

·         Small Business of the Year:

Recognizes a small business with fewer than 50 full-time employees that demonstrates outstanding business practices, community involvement, and a positive impact on the Top of Virginia region. The business should be a Chamber member in good standing for at least three (3) years.

·         Large Business of the Year:

Recognizes a large business with more than 50 full-time employees that demonstrates outstanding business practices, community involvement, and a positive impact on the Top of Virginia region. The business should be a Chamber member in good standing for at least three (3) years.

·         Entrepreneur of the Year:

Recognizes an individual who has created and grown a thriving business within the TVRC region for at least three years. The entrepreneur assumes meaningful financial and operational risk, demonstrates innovation and leadership, and contributes positively to the local economy and community. Franchise owners may be considered.

·         Emerging Leader Award:

Recognizes an outstanding young professional (under age 40) who has worked in the TVRC region for a minimum of three years for a Chamber member organization. This individual has demonstrated strong leadership potential and attributes both professionally and in the local community.

·         Non-Profit of the Year:

Recognizes a nonprofit organization that has been a Chamber member in good standing for at least three years and demonstrates outstanding leadership, service, and impact within the TVRC region. This award honors an organization that effectively advances its mission, delivers high-quality programs or services, uses resources responsibly, and strengthens the community through measurable, positive outcomes.

·         Citizen of the Year:

Recognizes an individual who lives or works in the TVRC region and has demonstrated high ethics and integrity, leadership, and creativity. This person has dedicated significant time, talent, and energy in service to the local community—beyond the normal duties of their paid position—and whose recent actions (within the past 12 months) have positively and significantly impacted the community.

·         Career Pathways Impact Award:

This award honors an individual or organization that has made a significant and measurable impact in preparing the region’s future workforce. Nominees may include educators, CTE instructors, workforce development professionals, training providers, employers, or community partners who actively collaborate to strengthen the talent pipeline and support career readiness in the Top of Virginia region. The recipient demonstrates exceptional commitment to expanding career pathways through education, training, mentorship, industry partnerships, and innovative programs that help students or job seekers gain the skills, exposure, and opportunities needed for long-term career success.

·         Lifetime Community Impact Award:

An individual who has made a lasting contribution to our community by exhibiting leadership, providing inspiration to, and positively influencing others in the business community and the community at large. This award is meant to honor those who may have already won a Citizen of the Year award, but have a long-standing history of integrity, service, volunteerism, and is respected both professionally and as a part of the community. Nominees should be current or retired members of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber.