WP Chamber opens nominations for annual awards

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Nominations are open for the Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards, recognizing individuals, businesses and civic organizations that make significant contributions across the community.

Award recipients will be honored during the chamber’s annual ceremony scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 21 in the West Plains Civic Center Exhibit Hall.

The chamber will present honors across 10 categories: Educator of the Year, Customer Service Award, City Beautification Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Civic/Nonprofit Organization of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year, and Citizen of the Year.

New to the chamber’s slate this year is the Small Business of the Year Award, created to highlight the specific economic and civic impact independent local businesses have on the area.

In addition, West Plains Downtown Revitalization will partner with the chamber during the ceremony to present two new honors: the Downtown Beautification Award and the Downtown Volunteer of the Year Award. Both accolades will recognize projects that enhance the visual appeal of the downtown commercial district and individuals who volunteer time and resources to revitalize the area.

Nominations are open to the general public, and chamber officials encourage area residents to nominate peers, local business operators and community leaders whose service warrants recognition.

Nomination forms for both the chamber awards and the downtown revitalization honors can be found online at wpchamber.com/chamber-awards. All nominations must be submitted by Dec. 1.

Sponsorship packages and individual event tickets are also on sale through the chamber office.

For more information regarding nominations, sponsorship packages or ticket reservations, call the Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce at 417-256-4433.