2026 Fort Myers Chamber Awards

The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Chamber Awards is an annual program recognizing members for their outstanding contributions to the greater Fort Myers community.

The awards ceremony will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers, bringing together the local business community for an evening of celebration. The event will honor finalists and announce winners across multiple award categories recognizing excellence, leadership and impact.

Chamber members will be honored in the following categories:

• Small Business of the Year (1-50 employees): Recognizes a for-profit company with less than 50 employees for community leadership, exemplary business practices, innovation and creativity in business, and commitment to employee support and development. The company must be established locally for the last three years.
• Large Business of the Year (50+ employees): Recognizes a for-profit company with more than 50 employees for community leadership, exemplary business practices, innovation and creativity in business, and commitment to employee support and development. The company must be established locally for the last three years.
• Community Impact Award: Recognizes an individual who has made a significant impact within the community and profession throughout their career, either through leadership of their organization’s charitable efforts or through personal efforts.
• Entrepreneur of the Year: Recognizes an individual who has made a mark in their field and led the way for other industry players to follow through demonstrated leadership within the profession and business community, significant business achievements and innovative products or services.
• Nonprofit Excellence Award: Recognizes a 501(c)3 or 501(c)6 nonprofit organization that makes a positive impact within the community through unique, impactful programs and services that create change within the communities it serves.
• Young Professional of the Year: Recognizes a young professional age 21-40 as of July 30, 2026, who has emerged as a business leader and demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their career and community.
• Volunteer of the Year: Honors an individual for their outstanding volunteer contributions.

In addition to the awards presentation, the evening will include the installation of the Chamber’s 2026-27 board of directors, recognition of outgoing committee chairs and check presentations from the Chamber Foundation. The program will also present the annual APEX Award, honoring a local woman for exemplary achievements in business and community service.

“This event is an opportunity to recognize the people and businesses that are helping drive our community forward,” said John Lai, interim president and CEO of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets for the Chamber Awards celebration  are $150 per person and $1,500 for a table of 10. For information, visit FortMyers.org/Events/Awards, call 239-332-2930 or email [email protected].