Business Awards
Each year the Lancaster Chamber recognizes several local business leaders who have made an incredible impact on our community. Our awards celebrate their leadership, honor their unique individual journey, provide insight on their business philosophy, and pay tribute to their dedication to making Lancaster a more thriving community.
Explore the annual awards below.
ANNUAL DINNER AWARDS
These award recipients are honored at our major annual event, the Annual Dinner, typically held in late Spring/early Summer.
Small Businessperson of the Year Award
The Small Businessperson of the Year Award, presented annually at the Lancaster Chamber’s Annual Dinner, honors a small business leader whose contributions extend far beyond business success. This award recognizes an individual whose vision, innovation, and leadership drive not only the growth of their company but also strengthen the economic and social fabric of Lancaster County. The recipient exemplifies the values of growth, community engagement, and responsible leadership, demonstrating a positive impact on both their industry and the local community. Through their work, they set the standard for what it means to be a leader, inspiring others to do the same while contributing to the collective strength of our business community.
Read Selection Criteria & Nomination Form Information before completing online nomination form. Only fully completed online nominations form will be accepted as nominations.
Nominations Closed.
Questions? Contact Molly Crouser, mcrouser@lancasterchamber.com.
ATHENA Award
The ATHENA® Award celebrates the potential of all women as valued leaders and recognizes those who champion their success. This prestigious award honors individuals who exemplify professional excellence, dedicate their time and energy to strengthening the community, and actively support others—particularly women—in reaching their full leadership potential.
The ATHENA® Foundation is an internationally recognized organization whose vision of developing diverse, transformative leaders worldwide is rooted in celebrating the change-makers and trailblazers who open doors of leadership & opportunity for women in communities across the globe.
Read Selection Criteria & Nomination Form Information before completing online nomination form. Only fully completed online nominations form will be accepted as nominations.
Nominations Closed.
Questions? Contact Molly Crouser, mcrouser@lancasterchamber.com.
Thomas T. Baldrige CATALYST Award
The Thomas T. Baldrige Catalyst Award honors a visionary individual, business, or community member in Lancaster County who actively enhances our region’s economic vitality, quality of place, and overall community well-being. Named after a transformational local leader, this award recognizes those who go beyond personal or professional success to drive meaningful impact.
Honorees have made a significant, recent contribution to strengthening Lancaster County— whether through innovative collaborations, generous giving of time and resources, or bold advocacy for our region as a thriving place to live and work. This award celebrates those who don’t just take part in the community— they actively shape its future.
Read Selection Criteria & Nomination Form Information before completing online nomination form. Only fully completed online nominations form will be accepted as nominations.
Nominations Closed.
Questions? Contact Molly Crouser, at mcrouser@lancasterchamber.com
OTHER AWARDS
The George C. Delp Award
This award honors a leader in the agriculture industry who is making an impact on community and within the industry in Lancaster County. This award will be presented at our 50th Agriculture Industry Banquet on Thursday, November 19th.
The George C. Delp Award is presented annually to a resident or business of Lancaster County who has made a significant contribution to the agricultural community. The individual/business must exemplify an outstanding dedication and commitment to preserving and enhancing agriculture in Lancaster County.
Nominations close on Friday, August 21st.
Questions? Contact Katie Young, at kyoung@lancasterchamber.com
30 under 30
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
The Lancaster Chamber’s 30 Under 30 awards recognize young professionals who are making a meaningful impact in their workplaces, industries, and communities. Honorees are selected based on their professional accomplishments, leadership, community involvement and future potential.
Read Selection Criteria & Nomination Form Information before completing online nomination form. Only fully completed online nominations forms will be accepted as nominations.
Eligibility Requirements
- 30 years old or younger as of December 31st, 2026
- Employed by a Lancaster Chamber Member business (check our directory here) Demonstrate professional achievement
- Show leadership potential
- Be involved in the Lancaster community through volunteerism, community service, etc.
Selection Criteria
Nominees will be evaluated based on the following areas:
- Professional Achievement
- Demonstrates excellence in their career through measurable accomplishments, innovation, professional growth, and contributions to their organization or industry.
- Community Involvement
- Actively contributes to the Lancaster community through volunteerism, board service, civic engagement, charitable efforts, or other forms of community leadership.
- Leadership
- Exhibits strong leadership qualities through initiative, influence, problem-solving, mentorship, or the ability to inspire and positively impact others.
- Future Potential
- Demonstrates the capacity to become a future leader within their organization, industry, and community. Nominees should show a commitment to personal and professional growth, a willingness to take on new challenges, and the ability to create lasting impact. This category considers the nominee’s vision, ambition, and potential to continue contributing to Lancaster County’s success in the years ahead.
Nominations Close Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Questions? Contact Emma Bitner, at ebitner@lancasterchamber.com
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