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"Rising Above the Peaks of Excellence" 2026 Business Excellence AWARD NOMINATIONS

Thank you for taking the time to recognize a person, business or organization making a difference in our community.

As the Mammoth Lakes Chamber Business Excellence Awards celebrates its 10th anniversary, this year's theme, Rising Above – The Peaks of Excellence, honors the dedication, resilience and journeys of the people, businesses and organizations that continue to go above and beyond.
Step 1 – Nominations
Nominations open August 3 and close at midnight on August 31, 2026.
• Anyone in the community can submit nominations.
• Nominate in one, several or all eight categories—it's entirely up to you.
• You may nominate the same person, business or organization in multiple categories if eligible.
• A brief explanation is required with each nomination to help the Selection Committee understand why your nominee deserves recognition.

Who can be Nominated?
• Businesses and organizations who hold a valid Mammoth Lakes business license, where applicable.
• Individual nominees who work for a local business or organization.
• You may nominate the same person, business or organization in multiple categories if eligible.
• You can nominate your own business or organization.
• Chamber membership is not required to be nominated (at this step in the process).

Step 2 – Selection Committee
After nominations close:
• Selection Committee will review every nomination.
• The committee includes past award winners, community leaders, an external Chamber Executive and Chamber staff.
• Three finalists will be selected in each category.

Step 3 – Final Voting
Voting opens: September 21 – October 8, 2026
• Final voting is open exclusively to Chamber members.
• Each Chamber member business receives one vote per category.
• Voting instructions will be emailed to the primary contact on file.
1.BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following:
  • Positive business or economic impact on the region.
  • Civic leadership.
  • Exceptional growth through job creation or business performance.
  • Exceptional customer service.
  • Meaningful contributions to the community.
2.BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Nominee Eligibility:
  • Must be the owner or primary manager of the business.
Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following:
  • Commitment to social responsibility.
  • Positive impact on the community through mentorship, civic leadership or service to others.
  • Strong leadership and a proven commitment to their business.
  • Volunteer contributions that support the growth and development of the local business community.
  • A willingness to support, connect and elevate others within the community.
3.CUSTOMER SERVICE PERSON OF THE YEAR

Nominee Eligibility:
  • Must be employed by a local business or organization.
  • Must not be the owner or primary manager of the business.

Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following:
  • A consistently positive attitude and exceptional customer service.
  • Serves as a role model for colleagues through professionalism and service excellence.
  • Recognizes and resolves challenges to deliver an outstanding customer experience.
  • Consistently identifies and meets customer needs above expectations.
  • Creates positive experiences that reflect well on their business and the Mammoth Lakes community.
4.NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Nominee Eligibility:
  • Must have commenced a business between August 2025 - August 2026.
Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following:
  • A strong start and positive impact within the local business community.
  • Business growth and early success.
  • Exceptional customer service.
  • Commitment to quality and professionalism.
  • Meaningful contributions to the Mammoth Lakes community.
5.NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR

Nominee Eligibility:
  • Must be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following:
  • Outstanding contributions to the Mammoth Lakes community.
  • A clear and meaningful mission that creates positive community impact.
  • Strong leadership and responsible stewardship of their organization.
  • Meaningful collaboration with community partners, volunteers or other organizations.
  • A lasting positive impact through the programs or services they provide.
6.YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Nominee Eligibility:
  • Must be 35 years of age or younger.
  • Must have at least one year of professional experience in their current career.
Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following:
  • Leadership and service within the Mammoth Lakes community.
  • A strong commitment to professional growth and development.
  • Initiative, enthusiasm and a positive contribution in the workplace.
  • A willingness to support and inspire others through their actions.
  • Serves as a positive role model for emerging professionals, both personally and professionally.
7.TOURISM CHAMPION

Visitation and visitor spending are the economic engine that powers our resort community. The Tourism Champion Award recognizes an individual whose outstanding contributions have strengthened Mammoth Lakes as a destination, enhanced the visitor experience, and supported the long-term success of our local tourism economy.

Nominee Eligibility:
Nominees may include:
  • Local business representatives
  • Community leaders
  • Hospitality professionals
  • Volunteers or citizen advocates
Employees of Mammoth Lakes Tourism are not eligible for consideration

Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following:
  • Leadership in tourism advocacy, development or marketing.
  • A positive and measurable impact on the visitor experience.
  • A long-term commitment to supporting the local tourism economy.
  • Creation or enhancement of programs, experiences or partnerships that attract visitors.
  • Promotion of responsible tourism, stewardship and responsible recreation.
  • Support for career pathways and workforce development in tourism and hospitality.
8.TRAILBLAZER OF THE YEAR (New Category)

New for 2026, the Trailblazer of the Year Award celebrates businesses and organizations that embrace fresh ideas and new ways of doing things. It recognizes those who think creatively, improve existing approaches or introduce new products, services, experiences or initiatives that benefit their customers, visitors, employees or the wider community.

Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following:
  • Introduced a new product, service, program or visitor experience.
  • Implemented a creative solution or new way of doing business.
  • Improved sustainability, accessibility or operational efficiency.
  • Enhanced the customer, employee or visitor experience.
  • Developed a successful partnership or collaboration that created new opportunities.
  • Demonstrated forward thinking that sets them apart within their industry or the community.