Award Categories

The Celebration of Excellence recognized individuals and organizations for their hard work, dedication, and never-ending drive to succeed in the following categories:

Educator of the Year Award

The Educator of the Year Award recognized and honored an individual in the field of education who made a significant impact over the course of their tenure and created a long-lasting and valuable legacy.

Business of the Year Award

The Business of the Year Award recognized and honored successful local businesses for their financial achievement, positive workplace environment, and continued community impact.

Entrepreneur of the Year Award

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognized and celebrated an individual for their entrepreneurial spirit, vision, innovation, determination, and persistence.

Community Service Award

The Community Service Award honored and celebrated a local person that harnessed the power of their assets, resources, and visibility to make a significant positive impact on their community.

Corporate Philanthropy Award

The Corporate Philanthropy Award honored and celebrated a local business organization that harnessed the power of their assets, resources, and visibility to make a significant positive impact on their community.

Non-Profit of the Year Award

The Non-Profit Award honored and recognized a non-profit organization whose achievements and accomplishments were a result of successfully meeting or exceeding their mission and goals, making a significant and positive impact on the communities it served.

George L. Duncan Award of Excellence

The George L. Duncan Award of Excellence recognized an individual, business, or non-profit for outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship, business excellence, and community service—a recipient that excelled in creating a positive difference every day. The panel of judges nominated and selected the recipients of this award.