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By Kristen Brown, Executive Director, Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce The Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Annual Awards Gala, taking place Thursday, April 16, 2026, at The Grove. Each year, the Gala is our signature celebration of the people, businesses, and organizations that make Santa Cruz County a thriving, connected, and innovative community. It is an evening that brings together leaders from across sectors to recognize excellence, honor achievements, and highlight the inspiring stories of those who have gone above and beyond in service, leadership, and impact. Whether it is a business creating jobs and investing locally, an organization delivering critical services, or an individual whose leadership has made a visible difference, this is the opportunity to shine a spotlight on those who help shape the future of Santa Cruz County. We invite you to submit nominations for this year’s honorees and join us in celebrating the spirit of community that makes Santa Cruz unique. Submit Your Nominations Nominations are open now, and we encourage community members, businesses, and organizations to share who inspires them. Submit nominations here: Nomination Form Honoring Excellence: Award Categories and Criteria Introducing the new Cultural Impact Award We are excited to introduce the Cultural Impact Award, a new recognition beginning this year. This award recognizes outstanding contributions that enrich the cultural life of Santa Cruz County. The honoree fosters creativity, inclusivity, and community connection through arts, heritage, or cultural initiatives. Eligible nominees include individuals, businesses, nonprofits, or organizations that promote, support, or produce cultural or artistic expression, strengthening Santa Cruz’s identity as a vibrant community. Person of the Year The Person of the Year award honors an individual who has made an outstanding personal impact in Santa Cruz County over the past year through leadership, service, and commitment that uplifts the community. Eligible nominees include individuals from any sector (public service, business, non-profit, or volunteer) whose contributions have been significant and visible. Past honorees include Congressman Jimmy Panetta, Cabrillo College President Matt Wetstein, Santa Cruz Warriors President Chris Murphy, and Santa Cruz Deputy City Manager Bonnie Lipscomb, all of whom have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made meaningful contributions to our community. Business of the Year This award recognizes a business of any size that demonstrates excellence in operations and strong community involvement, including contributions through employment, sustainability, civic engagement, or partnerships. Eligible nominees include any for-profit business in or with strong ties to Santa Cruz County. Past honorees include Santa Cruz County Bank, David Lyng Real Estate, Joby Aviation, and 1st Capital Bank, each of which has shown outstanding commitment to both business excellence and community engagement. Organization of the Year Celebrates a nonprofit, public agency, or collaborative entity that has made a significant difference for the community by delivering services, solving problems, or driving social innovation. Eligible nominees include nonprofits, government agencies, service districts, or community coalitions. Past honorees include Soquel Creek Water District, United Way of Santa Cruz County, Pajaro Valley Healthcare District, and Dientes Community Dental Care, recognized for their innovation and impact in serving the community. Small Business of the Year This award recognizes a small local business that stands out for its quality, innovation, customer service, and community engagement. Eligible nominees include small businesses that are creative, well-run, and play a vital role in the local economy and community. Past honorees include Sante Adairius Rustic Ale, Allterra Solar, Lookout Santa Cruz, and other small businesses that have brought creativity and excellence to Santa Cruz’s local economy. Lifetime (Legacy) Achievement Award This award honors an individual whose sustained contributions have shaped Santa Cruz County over time, leaving a lasting legacy of service and leadership. Eligible nominees include individuals with a long-standing record of community impact through public service, nonprofit leadership, or visionary contributions. Past honorees include Former 2nd District Supervisor Zach Friend, Former 5th District Supervisor Bruce McPherson, Former 2nd Harvest Food Bank CEO Willy Elliott-McCrea, and Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, each of whom has made enduring contributions that have left a lasting mark on our community. Submit Your Nominations Nominations are open now, and we encourage community members, businesses, and organizations to share who inspires them. Submit nominations here: Nomination Form Early-Bird Ticketing Now Available Join us for an inspiring evening of celebration, networking, and community pride. Individual Tickets $155 – Early Bird Pricing through 3/15/2026 Full Table (8 seats) $1,200 – Early Bird Pricing through 3/15/2026 Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Reach out to adminsitration@santacruzchamber.org to learn more. Nonprofit Community Display Tables Nonprofit members can reserve a display table in the entryway for $310, which includes two tickets to the dinner. This opportunity is first come, first served and limited to 10 tables, so be sure to reserve early. Help us celebrate the leaders and changemakers who make Santa Cruz County extraordinary. Nominate a deserving individual, business, or organization today and mark your calendar for April 16th, 2026.
By Kristen Brown, Executive Director, Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce
The Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Annual Awards Gala, taking place Thursday, April 16, 2026, at The Grove.
Each year, the Gala is our signature celebration of the people, businesses, and organizations that make Santa Cruz County a thriving, connected, and innovative community. It is an evening that brings together leaders from across sectors to recognize excellence, honor achievements, and highlight the inspiring stories of those who have gone above and beyond in service, leadership, and impact.
Whether it is a business creating jobs and investing locally, an organization delivering critical services, or an individual whose leadership has made a visible difference, this is the opportunity to shine a spotlight on those who help shape the future of Santa Cruz County. We invite you to submit nominations for this year’s honorees and join us in celebrating the spirit of community that makes Santa Cruz unique.
Submit Your Nominations
Nominations are open now, and we encourage community members, businesses, and organizations to share who inspires them. Submit nominations here: Nomination Form
Introducing the new Cultural Impact Award
We are excited to introduce the Cultural Impact Award, a new recognition beginning this year. This award recognizes outstanding contributions that enrich the cultural life of Santa Cruz County. The honoree fosters creativity, inclusivity, and community connection through arts, heritage, or cultural initiatives. Eligible nominees include individuals, businesses, nonprofits, or organizations that promote, support, or produce cultural or artistic expression, strengthening Santa Cruz’s identity as a vibrant community.
Person of the Year
The Person of the Year award honors an individual who has made an outstanding personal impact in Santa Cruz County over the past year through leadership, service, and commitment that uplifts the community. Eligible nominees include individuals from any sector (public service, business, non-profit, or volunteer) whose contributions have been significant and visible.
Past honorees include Congressman Jimmy Panetta, Cabrillo College President Matt Wetstein, Santa Cruz Warriors President Chris Murphy, and Santa Cruz Deputy City Manager Bonnie Lipscomb, all of whom have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made meaningful contributions to our community.
Business of the Year
This award recognizes a business of any size that demonstrates excellence in operations and strong community involvement, including contributions through employment, sustainability, civic engagement, or partnerships. Eligible nominees include any for-profit business in or with strong ties to Santa Cruz County.
Past honorees include Santa Cruz County Bank, David Lyng Real Estate, Joby Aviation, and 1st Capital Bank, each of which has shown outstanding commitment to both business excellence and community engagement.
Organization of the Year
Celebrates a nonprofit, public agency, or collaborative entity that has made a significant difference for the community by delivering services, solving problems, or driving social innovation. Eligible nominees include nonprofits, government agencies, service districts, or community coalitions.
Past honorees include Soquel Creek Water District, United Way of Santa Cruz County, Pajaro Valley Healthcare District, and Dientes Community Dental Care, recognized for their innovation and impact in serving the community.
Small Business of the Year
This award recognizes a small local business that stands out for its quality, innovation, customer service, and community engagement. Eligible nominees include small businesses that are creative, well-run, and play a vital role in the local economy and community. Past honorees include Sante Adairius Rustic Ale, Allterra Solar, Lookout Santa Cruz, and other small businesses that have brought creativity and excellence to Santa Cruz’s local economy.
Lifetime (Legacy) Achievement Award
This award honors an individual whose sustained contributions have shaped Santa Cruz County over time, leaving a lasting legacy of service and leadership. Eligible nominees include individuals with a long-standing record of community impact through public service, nonprofit leadership, or visionary contributions.
Past honorees include Former 2nd District Supervisor Zach Friend, Former 5th District Supervisor Bruce McPherson, Former 2nd Harvest Food Bank CEO Willy Elliott-McCrea, and Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, each of whom has made enduring contributions that have left a lasting mark on our community.
Early-Bird Ticketing Now Available
Join us for an inspiring evening of celebration, networking, and community pride.
Individual Tickets
$155 – Early Bird Pricing through 3/15/2026
Full Table (8 seats)
$1,200 – Early Bird Pricing through 3/15/2026
Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Reach out to adminsitration@santacruzchamber.org to learn more.
Nonprofit Community Display Tables
Nonprofit members can reserve a display table in the entryway for $310, which includes two tickets to the dinner. This opportunity is first come, first served and limited to 10 tables, so be sure to reserve early.
Help us celebrate the leaders and changemakers who make Santa Cruz County extraordinary. Nominate a deserving individual, business, or organization today and mark your calendar for April 16th, 2026.