Veteran Champion Award 2025 Nomination Form

Award Nomination Information

Since 2020, the Westerville Area Chamber has annually selected a Veteran Champion Award recipient to recognize a business or business leader who demonstrates exceptional leadership, creativity, and commitment to supporting veterans, transitioning service members, fallen service members, and their families in the greater Westerville area. This award highlights those who leverage their business, platform, or personal efforts to advance opportunities, resources, and quality of life for the veteran community. Awardees do not need to be veterans themselves but must show measurable impact and sustained dedication.

Receiving the Veteran Champion Award is not only an honor but also a celebration of the positive impact your business or leadership has on veterans and their families. Participation highlights your role in strengthening the Chamber's mission of enhancing the business climate and quality of life in our community.

The Veteran Champion of the Year is selected from nominations submitted by the community. This form may be used to nominate someone you believe is deserving of the award, or to submit a self-nomination.

You may also contact the Chamber office at info@westervillechamber.com to put forward a nominee in writing. In those cases, the Chamber will notify the individual or business of their nomination and invite them to complete the formal nomination form.

Eligibility Requirements

Nominees must be a Westerville Area Chamber member (business or representative) in good standing at the time of nomination and at the time the award is announced and must work and/or do business in the Westerville Area Chamber's footprint.

Eligible nominees should demonstrate two (2) or more of the following:

Employment & Workforce Development

Actively hires, retains, or promotes veterans, military spouses, or caregivers of veterans/service members.
Provides training, mentorship, or professional development opportunities tailored to veterans and their families.

Supportive Services & Programs

Offers programs, services, or resources specifically designed to assist veterans, transitioning service members, or their families.
Demonstrates innovation in meeting the unique needs of veterans, such as mental health, housing, or career advancement.

Business Ownership & Leadership

For business nominees: At least 51% veteran-owned and controlled.
For individual nominees: Serves as a visible advocate or leader for veterans within their organization or the wider community.

Community Engagement

Demonstrates consistent community involvement, partnerships, and/or advocacy efforts that uplift the veteran community in greater Westerville.
Acts as a role model by raising awareness of veterans' contributions and promoting inclusion and support.

Nomination Process

Nominations may be self-submitted by the business or representative, by a colleague, or another Chamber member.
The Chamber may accept unofficial nominations in writing and subsequently invite nominated businesses/individuals to complete a formal application.

Deadline

Deadline for receipt of nominations is Friday, October 24, 2025.

Notification

Applicants will be contacted in mid-December to announce the 2025 recipients. The Award will be presented at the Annual Meeting, Awards, and Innovation Showcase Luncheon on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.