The Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 24th Annual Awards Gala on Thursday May 7, 2026. 

Step right up for a black-tie evening beneath the glow of the big top. At The Big Top Gala, elegance meets energy as we celebrate the businesses and leaders who keep our community thriving, presenting 24 awards across 8 categories and honoring the bold, the innovative, and the exceptional.

Inspired by the magic and mastery of the circus, this year’s theme reminds us that every extraordinary organization runs like a spectacular show. It takes supporting your marquee talent, cultivating individual excellence, embracing a dynamic cast of characters, taking courageous leaps with a strong safety net, and treating every day like opening night.

Because behind every dazzling performance, whether under crystal chandeliers or beneath a grand tent, is a team that knows how to balance discipline, creativity, risk, and just the right amount of spectacle.

So dress to impress, take your seat under the spotlight, and join us as we celebrate the stars of our community, because on this night, the greatest show in town is you.
Cheers!🥂

The evening will begin at 5:30 pm.  Dinner begins at 6:00 pm. 
Following dinner, the 2026 Awards will be presented.

Emcee:

Matthew Childers
President, Allen Lima Leadership
Director of Tier Member & Business Development,
Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce

Keynote Speaker:

Bubba Scott Nunnery, MSW, CIPP/US, CIPP/E
Vice President, Government & Regulatory Affairs, ZoomInfo
Co-Owner, Sidecar Lounge

The 2026 Chamber Award finalists are: 

Above and Beyond Award - Sponsored by Tomorrow's Technology Today
Superior Credit Union
The Lima News
Tom Ahl Family of Dealerships

Agricultural Impact Award - Sponsored by Nutrien
​7M Farms
Ohio State University Extension 4-H Program
University of Northwestern Ohio Ag Tech Program

ATHENA Award - Sponsored by Lima Memorial Health System
Bev Beery
Barbara Duval
Ann Meiring

Emerging Business of the Year Award - Sponsored by State Bank
Lima Social House
Unicent Marketing and Management
Wiechart Dental Smile Studio

Non-Profit Agency of the Year Award - Sponsored by Cenovus Lima Refinery
​Area Agency on Aging 3
Lima Family YMCA
Visit Greater Lima

Small Business of the Year Award - Sponsored by Citizens National Bank
​Alexander & Bebout
Technical Roofing of St. Henry, LLC
Trisco Systems, Inc.

Woman-Owned Business of the Year Award - Sponsored by Huntington
Replenish & Renew
All Service Glass Co.
Heavenly Stitches, LLC
 
Young Leader of the Year Award - Sponsored by Mercy Health
​Jessica Cunningham
Justin Walter
Rylan Ward
Samuel White Jr.

Congratulations to our finalists and thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors!