Each year the Chamber bestows a number awards of distinction in order to help create and foster a culture of excellence and innovation--a true pocket of greatness.  These awards recognize extraordinary contributions made by people, projects, and companies and include...

• Community Service Award
  Current Recipient:  Sarla Kalsi
  The Community Service Award is meant to recognize outstanding service and leadership in a broad range of community affairs, leadership that has benefited the residents of our community, and service that has stimulated and inspired a disposition to public service among others.
  
  

• Company of the Year
  Current Recipient:  Cummins Inc.
  The purpose of the Company of the Year Award is to recognize a business/organization because of superior or unique accomplishments in the operation of its business or other endeavors. These accomplishments have reflected positively on the quality and expertise of the Columbus community as a whole.
  
  

• Community Project of the Year Award
  Current Recipient:  Economic Opportunities 2015
  The Community Project of the Year Award is presented for the depth and quality of a project's work to stimulate community spirit and participation.
  
  

• The ATHENA Award
  Current Recipient:  Barbara Garton
  The ATHENA Award honors individuals who strive toward the highest level of professional accomplishment. Women & men, who excel in their chosen field, have devoted time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and who also open paths so that others may follow.
  
  

• Edna V. Folger Outstanding Teacher Award
  Current Recipient:  Linda Coggin
  The award was designed to renew awareness of the immeasurable influence teachers have on their students and to recognize the traditional image of the teacher as a community role model.
  
  

• Rural Service Award
  Current Recipient:  Paul Ketner
  The Rural Service Award has been presented since 1954. The purpose of the award is to recognize the efforts of individuals, adults or youth, from Bartholomew County, who have donated their time and effort for the betterment of the rural community. These contributions may have been made through church, 4-H, farm organizations or any other organized group.
  
  

• The Maverick Awards

  • Irwin Union Bank Entrepreneur of the Year Award
    Current Recipient:  Doug Mahoney of Production Systems, Inc.
    Honors an entrepreneur whose ingenuity, hard work and perseverance have created and sustained a successful, growing business venture.
    
    

  • Innovation Award
    Current Recipient:  Eric and Kathleen Bradley of Mototron
    Honors a person(s) who is a pioneer in their field of work creating new systems, bringing new products to the market, and/or creating and developing “best practices” for the industry.
    
    

  • SIHO Spirit Award
    Current Recipient:  Tim Cooney of AdvantageOne Imaging Center
    Honors an entrepreneurial company that demonstrates high standards in risk-taking behavior, has a clear vision and plan for success, and learns from/overcomes obstacles and mistakes.
    
    

  • Ice Miller New and Emerging Award
    Current Recipient:  Tamera Pauli of One Body One Soul
    Recognizes a company that has been in business between two to five years and has experienced great success.
    
    

  • Small Business Advocate Award
    Current Recipient:  Denise Wirrig of Bartholomew County Public Library and Matt Carothers of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
    Recognizes an individual who provides a distinctive level of service and who is a noted supporter of entrepreneurial development, creating opportunities and growth for small business in the community.
    
    

  • Young Entrepreneur Award
    Current Recipient:  Daniel Novaes
    Recognizing Columbus’ best and brightest young entrepreneurs under the age of 25 with an innovative spirit and business insight.