41st Annual Community Awards Gala

Wednesday, October 21, 2025

To honor individuals and organizations who have made a significant impact

on the quality of life in the Gates and Chili Community.

2026 AWARDS

Beautification Awards – Town of Gates and Town of Chili

Recognizes an individual or organization for new construction or restoration of existing facilities to enhance

the area.

Joseph Entress Memorial Award – Economic Development

Recognizes an individual or organization for on-going improvement encouraging continued economic development in the area.

Innovative Business Award

Acknowledges an existing or recent addition to the business community which has stimulated economic growth and commerce, with regards to product demand and originality of the enterprise or product/service.

Culture and Arts Award

Recognizes an individual or organization whose talents or patronage has strengthened the understanding, appreciation and support of art and culture as an integral part of community life.

Elisa Martin Outstanding Citizen

Recognizes an individual located in or servicing the Gates and Chili area, who has contributed to the betterment of the community.

Dream Big Award - Small Business of the Year Award

This award embodies the Spirit of Innovation-they often start small but DREAM BIG. We applaud the example they set, and the enormous contribution they make to our area’s economy.

Youth Leadership Award

Acknowledges a youth group or individual (21 years or under) who lives or works in the Gates and/or Chili area who has provided leadership in a business or business association, community service to others and serves as a role model among their peers.

Young Professionals Award

This award honors an emerging leader between the ages of 22 and 36 who demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession, has a proven commitment to service by contributing time and energy to improving the quality of life of others in the community and serves as a role model both personally and professionally.

Loretta Simmons Women’s Leadership Award

Named after the Chamber’s first president, this award honors women in leadership roles throughout the area who contribute to the betterment of the community.