Business Excellence Gala
The Awards

How nominees are scored

Every nomination is read and scored by the Chamber's awards committee using the same point sheet for each category. Nothing is weighted by who submitted it — only what the packet documents. Use these criteria as a checklist when you write your nomination: the more specific and verifiable your examples, the more points the committee can award.

Nominations close Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM CDT.

What gets a nomination disqualified

  • No supporting documents. At least 2 are required — signed reference letters / letters of recommendation or community support letters. The packet is the evidence; without it there is nothing to score.
  • Vague or unsubstantiated claims.“Very involved in the community” scores nothing. Name the organization, the years, the role, the result.
  • Ineligible nominee. The nominee — or the business they represent — must be an active Chamber member in good standing for at least 2 years. (Man and Woman of the Year are exempt — they honor community service rather than business standing.)

You may nominate yourself or your own business — self-nominations are welcome and are judged on exactly the same criteria.

Business of the Year

up to 21 points

Presented by Listerhill Credit Union

This award honors a business that has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact over the past year. The recipient has made significant accomplishments in their industry while also contributing to the civic and economic vitality of the Spring Hill community. Their commitment to excellence, service, and community involvement sets a strong example for others.

  • Accomplishments noted in the packet during the last year

    1 point per accomplishment · up to 7 counted

  • Civic involvement & contributions noted in the packet during the last year

    1 point per contribution · up to 7 counted

  • Professional accomplishments noted in the packet during the last year

    1 point per accomplishment · up to 7 counted

Nominate for Business of the Year

Nonprofit of the Year

up to 10 points

Presented by Ascend Federal Credit Union

This award recognizes a nonprofit organization that has gone above and beyond in serving the needs of the community. Through its time, talents, and resources, the organization has made a meaningful impact and helped improve the lives of others. Their work reflects dedication to mission, community partnership, and positive change in Spring Hill.

  • Contributed their time & talents to the betterment of the community over the past year

    1 point per example · up to 10 counted

Nominate for Nonprofit of the Year

Boss of the Year

up to 13 points

This award honors a leader who sets the standard for what it means to lead well. The recipient demonstrates integrity, vision, and a genuine commitment to their team, while also contributing to the growth and vitality of the Spring Hill community. Their leadership style inspires others, strengthens their organization, and leaves a positive mark on those they serve.

  • Demonstrated strong leadership, vision, and management skills within their organization

    2 pts if demonstrated in the nomination packet · 0 if not

  • Actively supports employee growth, development, well-being, and workplace culture (mentorship, professional development, flexibility, recognition, or retention efforts)

    2 pts if demonstrated in the nomination packet · 0 if not

  • Models integrity, accountability, professionalism, and ethical leadership for employees and the community

    2 pts if demonstrated in the nomination packet · 0 if not

  • Professional accomplishments noted in the packet during the last year

    1 point per accomplishment · up to 7 counted

Nominate for Boss of the Year

Man of the Year

up to 15 points

This award is presented to a man who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the Spring Hill community through years of service, leadership, and personal involvement. His volunteerism, professional integrity, and consistent support of local causes have contributed to the growth and well-being of those around him.

Please note: This recognition is based on service and leadership demonstrated outside of one’s primary employment. Professional duties alone do not qualify a nominee for this award.

  • Performed continuous volunteer service

    5–10 years1 pt10–15 years2 pts15–20 years3 pts20 or more years4 pts
  • Active in community affairs

    5–10 years1 pt10–15 years2 pts15–20 years3 pts20 or more years4 pts
  • Volunteers for multiple entities

    1–3 groups1 pt4–6 groups2 pts6 or more groups3 pts
  • Work is done outside of business, profession, or vocation

    2 pts if demonstrated in the nomination packet · 0 if not

  • Contributes recognizable leadership by inspiration & example in community affairs

    2 pts if demonstrated in the nomination packet · 0 if not

Nominate for Man of the Year

Woman of the Year

up to 15 points

This award is presented to a woman who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the Spring Hill community through years of service, leadership, and personal involvement. Her volunteerism, professional integrity, and consistent support of local causes have contributed to the growth and well-being of those around her.

Please note: This recognition is based on service and leadership demonstrated outside of one’s primary employment. Professional duties alone do not qualify a nominee for this award.

  • Performed continuous volunteer service

    5–10 years1 pt10–15 years2 pts15–20 years3 pts20 or more years4 pts
  • Active in community affairs

    5–10 years1 pt10–15 years2 pts15–20 years3 pts20 or more years4 pts
  • Volunteers for multiple entities

    1–3 groups1 pt4–6 groups2 pts6 or more groups3 pts
  • Work is done outside of business, profession, or vocation

    2 pts if demonstrated in the nomination packet · 0 if not

  • Contributes recognizable leadership by inspiration & example in community affairs

    2 pts if demonstrated in the nomination packet · 0 if not

Nominate for Woman of the Year

A note on ties and judgment.Points guide the committee — they don't decide alone. Where scores are close, the committee discusses the nominations together and votes. Committee members recuse themselves from any category where they, their business, or an immediate family member is nominated.

Thank you to our sponsors

  • John Maher Builders

    Presenting Sponsor

  • TriStar Spring Hill ER

    Gold Sponsor

  • WIlliamson Health

    Gold Sponsor

  • Maury Regional Health

    Gold Sponsor

  • Vanderbilt Health

    Gold Sponsor

  • Liberty Federal Credit Union

    Gold Sponsor

  • Southern Springs

    Table Sponsor

  • J&J Beauty Company

    Award Sponsor

  • Club Pilates Port Royal

    Award Sponsor

  • Listerhill Credit Union

    Award Sponsor

  • Ascent Federal Credit Union

    Award Sponsor

  • Polking Around The World

    Award Sponsor