Tamaqua Chamber ANNual Awards

The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that nominations are now open for its 2026 Annual Awards. Each year, these awards recognize outstanding individuals and businesses whose dedication, leadership, and service have made a lasting impact on the Tamaqua community.

"Each year, these awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the people and businesses who make Tamaqua such a special community," said Aimee Dotson, Executive Director of the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce. "We encourage our Chamber members and community to take a few minutes to nominate someone deserving. It is a wonderful way to recognize those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to strengthen our local economy and improve the quality of life for everyone."

Community members and Chamber members are encouraged to submit nominations for the following awards:

The Joseph M. Plasko Citizenship Award recognizes an individual whose volunteer efforts have made significant contributions to the civic advancement of Tamaqua and the well-being of its citizens.

The award is presented annually based on an individual's overall commitment to serving the community. It is not based solely on one particular civic endeavor, such as involvement with a religious, economic, charitable, or community organization, but rather on a lifetime of service through a variety of activities.

Eligible nominees must:

• Be a living resident of the Tamaqua Area School District.
• Be 18 years of age or older.

This award recognizes volunteer service only. Any work for which the nominee was paid will not be considered during the selection process.

The Business Person of the Year Award honors an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership, business achievement, initiative, and creativity while promoting the importance of business within the Tamaqua community.

Eligible nominees must:

• Own, operate, or be employed by a business or nonprofit organization that is a current member of the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Demonstrate excellence in their profession or business.
• Exhibit leadership, innovation, and a commitment to their organization and community.

Nominations for this award must be submitted by a current Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce member.

The Business of the Year Award recognizes a Chamber member business that has demonstrated excellence in business practices while making meaningful contributions to the Tamaqua community.

Eligible nominees include any profit or non-profit business that is a current member of the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce. Judging will be based on:

• Staying power and longevity
• Business growth and success
• Contributions to the community
• Overall management philosophy

Nominations for this award must be submitted by a current Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce member.

The recipients of all three awards will be announced on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. during the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce Summer Concert Series on the historic Tamaqua Train Station platform.

The awards will be formally presented during the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards & Dinner Gala on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Mountain Valley Golf Course.

Nomination forms are available online at www.tamaqua.net/annual-awards.

Completed nomination forms may be:

• Emailed to chamber@tamaqua.net
• Mailed to:

Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 54
Tamaqua, PA 18252

The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce encourages members and residents to take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding individuals and businesses that help make the Tamaqua area a wonderful place to live, work, and grow.