Awards of Distinction
Date and Time
Thursday Feb 12, 2026
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM CST
Location
Capitol Civic Centre
913 S. 8th St. Manitowoc
Fees/Admission
$49 per person
There will be a limited number of Anniversary Ticket packages available.
All tickets include heavy hors d'oeuvres and desserts during the reception. Cash bar available.
Tickets will be available for pickup at the check-in table during the reception, on the evening of the event. Tickets are designated, numbered seating - and are not mailed out prior to the event.
Cancellations within 7 days of event are non-refundable.
Event Sponsors
Marquee
Small Business of the Year
Medium Business of the Year
Large Business of the Year
Young Professional of the Year
Collaboration
Non-Profit Organization of the Year
Description
For 110 years, the Chamber has been at the heart of our community’s progress, and this year’s Awards of Distinction will be another jewel of that legacy. This is not just another banquet; it is the gathering where the region’s leaders, visionaries, and change-makers converge for one unforgettable evening. On this milestone anniversary, we will honor the excellence that drives our businesses forward while celebrating more than a century of impact. Seats are limited, and the guest list is already filling with the names you’ll want to be alongside. If you aren’t in the room, you’ll miss the connections, the recognition, and the moment that only comes once in 110 years.
VIP Reception (ticketed event) begins at 4:00pm
Reception & Networking 4:30pm
Awards Program 6:00pm
Awards
We will honor award winners in the following categories:
Collaboration: Recognizes a Manitowoc County project, activity or event for its progress, success, innovation, and contribution to the community during 2025.
Education Impact: Recognizes an exceptionally dedicated educator who impacts parents, students, or the community beyond the scope of the classroom while integrating business and community resources to enhance student learning opportunities.
Small Business of the Year: Recognizes a Manitowoc county business (Less than 25 employees) for its growth, success, innovation and contribution to the community during 2025.
Medium Business of the Year: Recognizes a Manitowoc county business (26-99 employees) for its growth, success, innovation and contribution to the community during 2025.
Large Business/Industry of the Year: Recognizes a Manitowoc county business (100+ Employees) for its growth, success, innovation and contribution to the community during 2025.
Non-Profit Organization of the Year: Recognizes a Manitowoc county Non-Profit Organization for its dedication to serving the community at-large.
Young Professional (YP) of the Year: Honors a role model in career, community and future impact. The YP receiving this award excels in their career and has also left and will continue to leave a lasting footprint within the community through volunteer work. The award winner is selected from the 2025 Future 15 award winners.
Athena: The Athena leadership award is presented to a woman — or man — who is honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.
Joseph P. Schmitt “Speak Up” Award: Established over 35 years ago to honor the late Chamber Executive Joseph P. Schmitt, recognizes an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the quality of life for citizens of Manitowoc County over a period of time.
Volunteer of the Year: Honors an individual for going above and beyond as a Chamber, and community volunteer.
For more information, please contact The Chamber of Manitowoc County at (920) 684-5575 or info@chambermanitowoccounty.org.
