Awards

The annual awards are a hallmark tradition of the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber. It is our opportunity to honor those members of the Upcounty business communities, both organizations and individuals, that have demonstrated an exemplary level of leadership and community engagement to positively impact the quality of life & economic development.

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SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Chamber’s Small Business of the Year Award recognizes small businesses, which are a vital part of our economy and community. The award is presented to the small business that demonstrates success, community involvement, and excellent customer relations.

DOWNLOAD THE SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR APPLICATION (applications open Fall 2025)

SELECTION PROCESS: Deadline for entries is in November and entries are accepted either via mail or email. The winner will be chosen by Selection Committees comprised of members of the Gaithersburg-Germantown County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and its events committee Chamber members, and prior award recipients. The award is presented at the Chamber’s Celebration Gala and Awards Dinner held in December. The winner is invited to send a representative as our guest of honor.

MID-SIZE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD-started in 2023!

The Chamber’s Mid-Size Business of the Year Award recognizes a growing business contributing to the local economy and business climate.  The award is presented to the mid-size business that demonstrates success, community involvement, and excellent customer relations.

DOWNLOAD THE MID-SIZE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR APPLICATION (applications open Fall 2025)

SELECTION PROCESS: Deadline for entries is in November and entries are accepted via email. The winner will be chosen by Selection Committees comprised of members of the Gaithersburg-Germantown County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and its events committee Chamber members, and prior award recipients. The award is presented at the Chamber’s Celebration Gala and Awards Dinner held in December. The winner is invited to send a representative as our guest of honor.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Chamber’s Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of a highly motivated, emerging leader of our Young Professional’s group.

DOWNLOAD THE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR APPLICATION (applications open Fall 2025))

SELECTION PROCESS: Deadline for entries is in November and entries are accepted either via mail or email. The winner will be chosen by Selection Committees comprised of members of the Gaithersburg-Germantown County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and its events committee Chamber members, and prior award recipients. The award is presented at the Chamber’s Celebration Gala and Awards Dinner held in December. The winner is invited to attend as our guest of honor.

NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Chamber’s Nonprofit of the Year Award recognizes nonprofit organizations, which are a vital part of our economy and community. The Chamber acknowledges, with a membership over 10% represented by nonprofits and educational organizations, that these businesses hire personnel, purchase goods and services, and move the economy in the same way that for-profit businesses do. The award is presented to the small nonprofit and large nonprofit that demonstrate business success, community involvement, sustainability, and excellent customer relations.

DOWNLOAD THE NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR APPLICATION (Application closes Aug 7, 2025)

SELECTION PROCESS: The winner will be chosen by a Selection Committee comprised of members of the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and its committee Chamber members. The award is presented at the annual Picnic with a Purpose in September, and also acknowledged at the Chamber’s Celebration Gala and Awards Dinner held in December.

EXCEPTIONAL VOLUNTEER AWARDS

Each year the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce honors our exceptional volunteers during our annual Picnic with a Purpose at Smokey Glen Farm Barbequers, Inc.  Corporate Citizenship and giving back to the community has been a core value of Smokey Farm Barbequers, Inc., as demonstrated through various community outreach programs. The Chamber’s Exceptional Volunteer Awards recognize individuals who go above and beyond to support the initiatives of the GGCC and our community. Individuals may sit on Chamber committees, direct connects, or support Chamber programming in other ways.

SELECTION PROCESS: Any active member may send an email nomination to staff or a Board member to nominate a fellow member who is a prominent example of volunteerism and a vital contributor to the GGCC. The winner will be chosen by members of the Gaithersburg-Germantown County Chamber of Commerce’s Staff and Board of Directors. The award is presented at the annual Picnic with a Purpose in September, and also acknowledged at the Chamber’s Celebration Gala and Awards Dinner held in December.

THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD

The President’s Award was resurrected in 2023 to recognize a Chamber member who has gone above and beyond in support of the staff during the previous year. The honoree is selected by, and the honor is presented at the discretion of the President & CEO.

The award is presented at the annual Celebration Gala and Awards Dinner held in December.

YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE AWARD

Each year the Chair of the Board of Directors awards the “You Made a Difference” award to a fellow member of the Board, to recognize exceptional service and support to the organization and to them personally throughout their term as Chair of the Board.

SELECTION PROCESS: This award is granted at the discretion of the current Chair of the Board of Directors and is awarded at the Annual Gala Celebration & Awards Dinner held in December.

CHAIR’S CHALLENGE COINS

Starting in 2025, the Chair of the Board will issue a commemorative Challenge Coin to each member of the Board to award to any member of the greater Upcounty community who has demonstrated service above and beyond to the Chamber/business community, service to the greater community through volunteerism or advocacy, service to one of our nonprofit chamber member organizations, or service above and beyond for the greater good of the Upcounty community.

SELECTION PROCESS: This award is granted at the discretion of each member of the Board of Directors, and is recognized online, at Chamber events throughout the year, and on the Chamber’s social media pages.

GGCC HALL OF FAME

The purpose of the Hall of Fame Award is to recognize and honor a Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce member who demonstrates outstanding service, commitment and involvement.  The Hall of Fame was created in 1999, upon the 50th Anniversary of the Chamber. A legacy plaque is engraved with all Hall of Fame awardees, and hangs in the GGCC conference space.

SELECTION PROCESS: The award is granted in periodic years as warranted by the Board of Directors.