Chamber Awards

Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award

The Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award is the highest honor conferred by the Chamber, and is awarded at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting in January.  Honorees exemplify the ideals of service to the Wilson business community, and typically recognize a community leader whose achievements have made a lasting positive impact to our market.  Nominations and selections are made by the Executive Committee of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Small Business Leader of the Year Award

The Small Business Leader of the Year is the owner or operator of a small business in Wilson who represents the entrepreneurial spirit of our community, and is recognized at the Chamber’s Small Business Banquet in May.  The honoree must actively serve in a senior leadership role at a for-profit enterprise whose primary location is in Wilson County, and employs fewer than 200 full-time employees.  Nominations and selections are made by the Executive Committee of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Lifetime Membership

Lifetime Memberships are conferred to community leaders who, over the span of their careers, have made significant contributions to the Wilson business community.  Honorees are typically selected from those who have recently retired from active employment with a Chamber member, and are granted lifetime  rights and privileges as an individual member of the Wilson Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting in January.  Nominations and selections are made by the Executive Committee of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Ambassador of the Year

Chamber Ambassadors are a volunteer group of professionals who perform outreach to their peers in the business community on behalf of the Chamber.  The Ambassador who performs this outreach with the highest degree of excellence is recognized as the Ambassador of the Year at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting in January, and Ambassadors are only eligible if not previously honored in the past three years.  Nominations and selections are made by fellow Ambassadors.  

4 Under 40 Awards

The 4 Under 40 Awards program symbolizes our commitment to celebrating and recognizing young talent whose dedication, innovation, and leadership contribute immensely to the vitality and prosperity of our community. The public will nominate deserving young professionals to be considered in each of the four award categories: education, nonprofit, healthcare, and entrepreneur. Additionally, one individual who has served as an influencer, motivator, or mentor to young professionals will receive the Guiding Light Award. Finalists and winners will be recognized at the 4 Under 40 Awards Reception in August.

Submit a nomination

Member of the Month

Every month, the staff of the Chamber selects one business or organization to highlight as the Chamber’s Member of the Month.  This recognition is designed to showcase the variety of the Wilson business community by choosing businesses of different types, sizes, capabilities, and membership levels.  Selections are made by consensus of the Chamber staff, and recognition is made following the monthly Chamber Ambassador meeting.