SULLIVAN COUNTY – Success in Sullivan County doesn’t happen alone.

Behind every thriving business is an entrepreneur willing to take a chance. Behind every investment is a vision for the future. Behind every strong community are leaders, volunteers, organizations, and partnerships working together to create opportunity.

The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce & Industry is now accepting nominations for its Your Partner for Success 2026 Annual Awards Gala, taking place Thursday, November 12, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The theme for this year's celebration is Connect the Dots, reflecting the Chamber's belief that lasting success is built through relationships, collaboration, investment, and shared purpose.

“Since becoming Chamber President, I've spent much of my time visiting businesses, listening to our members, and learning what it takes to operate and grow in Sullivan County,” said Matthew Sush, President and CEO of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “One thing has become clear, success looks different for everyone, but it is built through connection. A conversation becomes a partnership. An idea becomes a business. A business creates jobs. An investment creates opportunity. A leader brings people together. These awards are about recognizing those connections and the impact they have on Sullivan County.”

A New Name for a Broader Definition of Impact

This year's awards include an intentional evolution of one of the Chamber's longstanding recognitions.

For many years, the Chamber presented a Businessperson of the Year award. While the Chamber respects the history and prestige of that recognition, the organization has broadened the way it defines and celebrates economic leadership and impact.

The new Building Success | Economic Impact Award is designed to recognize not only an individual, but the businesses, projects, and investments that create jobs, attract visitors, strengthen the local economy, and lay the foundation for future growth.

Six Ways to Recognize Success

The 2026 awards reflect the many ways individuals, businesses, organizations, and partnerships contribute to Sullivan County's success:

Building Success | Economic Impact Award
Connecting investment to opportunity.
Recognizing businesses, projects, and investments that create jobs, attract visitors, strengthen the economy, and lay the foundation for future growth.

Growing Success | Small Business of the Year
Connecting passion to prosperity.
Honoring a small business that demonstrates outstanding achievement, leadership, resilience, innovation, customer service, and commitment to Sullivan County.

Inspiring Success | Emerging Leader
Connecting today's leadership to tomorrow's possibilities.
Celebrating an emerging leader whose vision, initiative, and commitment are making a meaningful difference in Sullivan County.

Strengthening Success | Community Champion
Connecting success with service.
Recognizing an individual or organization whose dedication to the community has helped make Sullivan County a stronger place to live, work, and thrive.

Connecting Success | Partnership Excellence
Connecting people, organizations, and opportunity.
Honoring an exceptional collaboration that demonstrates how businesses, nonprofits, government, community organizations, or other partners can work together to create meaningful results.

Sustaining Success | Philanthropic Impact Award, presented by Resorts World Catskills
Connecting generosity with lasting impact.
Recognizing extraordinary philanthropic leadership and contributions that create lasting benefits for Sullivan County and its communities.

“The recognition has evolved, but the honor has not,” Sush said. “The Economic Impact Award is intended to carry the same significance and prestige as Businessperson of the Year, while recognizing the broader impact that businesses, investments, projects, and partnerships have on Sullivan County.”

Now, the Chamber Needs Your Nominations

The Chamber is encouraging businesses, organizations, nonprofits, municipalities, schools, community leaders, and residents to nominate individuals and organizations whose contributions deserve to be recognized.

Think about the business creating jobs. The entrepreneur taking a chance. The investment bringing new opportunity to the county. The leader bringing people together. The organization serving the community. The partner making something possible.

Nominations can be submitted online, and the Chamber encourages the community to submit nominations in all six categories. NOMINATE TODAY through the Sullivan County Chamber Award Nomination Form at business.catskills.com.

The Your Partner for Success Annual Gala & Awards Dinner will bring the Chamber community together to celebrate the people and organizations connecting opportunity to a stronger Sullivan County. The gala is Thursday, November 12 at 5:30 p.m. with a theme of Connect the Dots. Additional information regarding the venue, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket sales will be announced by the Chamber.

For more information, please contact the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce at office@catskills.com.