Spirit of Success Awards introduces refreshed group of categories

By: Kate Smith

Huron Chamber of Commerce will once again host the Spirit of Success Awards to recognise businesses, organisations, and people who make Huron County’s business community exceptional.

The Spirit of Success Awards have celebrated business achievement across Huron County for more than 20 years.

According to Colin Carmichael, Executive Director of the Huron Chamber of Commerce, this year’s program introduces a refreshed group of categories designed to recognise excellence across a broad range of sectors and accomplishments.

“Nominations are really where the Spirit of Success begins,” explained Carmichael.

“This is an opportunity for customers, employees, colleagues and neighbours to recognise the businesses and organisations that are doing exceptional things.”

The 2026 Spirit of Success Award categories include:

Customer Service Award:

Recognises a business or organisation that consistently provides an exceptional customer experience.

Consideration is given to responsiveness, professionalism, attention to customer needs, problem-solving, and a demonstrated commitment to going above and beyond for customers or clients.

Innovation Award:

Recognises a business or organisation that has used innovative products, processes, practices or technologies to improve performance, increase customer or client satisfaction, create new opportunities, or strengthen its organisation.

Outstanding Employer Award:

Recognises an exceptional Huron County employer that demonstrates a strong commitment to its employees.

Consideration is given to workplace culture, employee support and recognition, compensation and benefits, scheduling flexibility, communication, training and development, and the employer’s ability to attract and retain employees.

New Business Award:

Recognises a business that has opened within the previous 18 months and has demonstrated strong early success.

Consideration is given to business growth, customer service, employee support and training, community involvement, and the ability to establish a strong presence in the Huron County business community.

Community Impact Award:

Recognises a business, organisation, initiative or event that has made a significant positive contribution to a Huron County community.

Consideration is given to the scale and significance of the impact, community involvement, collaboration, and lasting benefits created for residents, organisations or the broader community.

Retail Sector Award:

Recognises a retail sector business that consistently demonstrates excellence in its operations and customer experience, is community-minded, and demonstrates a strong commitment to meeting the needs of its customers.

Hospitality Sector Award:

Recognises a hospitality sector business that consistently demonstrates excellence in its operations and customer experience, is community-minded, and creates a welcoming and memorable experience for its guests.

Service Sector Award:

Recognises a service sector business that demonstrates excellence in its field, strong business practices, and a consistent commitment to meeting or exceeding the needs of its customers or clients.

This category is intended for businesses whose primary offering is a service, rather than retail, hospitality, agriculture or manufacturing.

Agriculture Sector Award:

Recognises a business or organisation in Huron County’s agriculture and agribusiness sector that demonstrates excellence in its field, strong business practices, and a commitment to the continued strength and growth of the agricultural community.

This may include primary producers, agri-food businesses, suppliers, processors, or businesses providing services to the agricultural sector.

Manufacturing Sector Award:

Recognises a Huron County manufacturer that demonstrates excellence in its operations, products, workforce or business practices and contributes to the strength of the local economy.

Consideration may be given to growth, productivity, quality, workforce development, innovation, or investment in the community.

The Business of the Year Award will be awarded to the finalist with the highest overall score.

“Every year, the awards give us a chance to showcase some of the very best that Huron County has to offer,” added Carmichael.

This year’s awards are also connected with the Chamber’s Huron Accolades program. Accolades submitted throughout the year have been carried forward as Spirit of Success nominations in the most appropriate award categories.

Huron Accolades will remain available for those who want to recognise a business without choosing a specific award.

Those nominated will be invited to complete an entry providing judges with more information about their business, achievements and impact, so that each submission can be fully considered during the judging process.

“The nomination tells us that someone believes a business deserves recognition,” Carmichael said.

“The entry is the opportunity for that business to tell its story and give the judges the information they need to understand why.”

Finalists and award recipients will be celebrated at the 2026 Spirit of Success Awards Gala, presented by OLG, on Wednesday, November 18 at the Libro Community Hall in Clinton.

Gala tickets will be available on the Chamber website soon.