Recognition Committee
The purpose of the Recognition Committee is to find ways to celebrate our members for their achievements, accomplishments, anniversaries, and more!
The committee strives to create a culture of appreciation and validation for our members’ hard work. The committee is tasked with soliciting nominations and selecting award recipients at both the Opelika Chamber organization level and state level. We use our award programming to advocate for and raise awareness of our business community and their accomplishments. For example, the chamber awards a small business of the quarter, minority business of the quarter, and a multitude of awards at our Annual Meeting.
NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITES FOR THE 2023 ANNUAL AWARDS
LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:
This award recognizes a large business in the Lee County Area that has 50+ employees and has made significant contributions to the community through their time, finances, and sponsorship. They are also an active and engaged member of the Opelika Chamber.
WOMAN OF THE YEAR:
For the first time in history, the Opelika Chamber will be awarding a Woman of the Year Award. The award is intended to honor an outstanding woman who has made a significant contribution to the Opelika community and inspires and uplifts those around her.
SPIRIT OF OPELIKA:
This recipient must be a citizen who lives or works in Opelika and is an outstanding individual that has brought exceptional benefit and /or recognition to our city, county, or state. They embody the spirit and nature of Opelika in their everyday interactions and relationships.
VISIONARY AWARD:
The Visionary Award winner is actively investing in the future of Opelika. They are engaged in various organizations that promote the well-being of the citizens and are involved in the teaching of future generations care and responsibility of our community.
COMMUNITY PARTNER AWARD:
This award is intended to honor an outstanding organization or non-profit that has made a significant contribution to our local community. It is designed to recognize the best, most innovative, highly creative, and most effective organization in accomplishing its goals.
EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:
This award recognizes a new business to the area who has been established/open for less than 2 years. They are an active and engaged member of the Opelika Chamber and improve our community through their everyday business activities.
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR:
This award recognizes a young professional in Opelika who is an outstanding figure in their workplace and community. This award will recognize one young professional who has emerged as a business or community leader, demonstrated excellence, creativity, or initiative in his or her career and community and who has had a positive impact, serving as a role model for others.
LEGENDARY AWARD:
The Legendary Award recognizes a business that has stood the test of time. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 25% of businesses can successfully make it past the 15-year mark. This business has persevered well past that mark, through recessions transitions, and the growth of this community.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD:
This award recognizes an outstanding individual who lives and works in Opelika, either in public service or private industry, that brought exceptional benefit and/or recognition to our city, county, state, or nation.
2023 Quarterly Awards
Q1 Small Business: Harris Funeral Home
Q1 Minority Business: Eula Mae's (Eua la La)
Q2 Small Business: East Alabama Nutrition
Q2 Minority Business: Dani Cheesecake
Q3 Small Business: The Heritage House
Q3 Minority Business: Rock 'N Pinball
Nominate a Small Business!
Click the button to nominate a small business to be considered for our upcoming Small Business of the Quarter Award.
Nominate a Minority Business!
Click the button to nominate a minority business to be considered for our upcoming Minority Business of the Quarter Award.
2022 Annual Meeting Awards
Ambassador of the Year: Nakeda Woods with MAX Credit Union
Chairman's Award: Dr. Mark Neighbors
Community Partner Award: The Curtis House
Distinguished Service Award: Becky Benton
Large Business of the Year: Mando America Corporation
Small Business of the Year: Christie Ray Hill - State Farm Insurance
Minority Business of the Year: Twice Baked
Legendary Award: Piedmont Fertilizer Company
Spirit of Opelika Award: Dozier Smith T with Smith T Building Supply
Visionary Award: Tiffany Gibson with Girls' STEPS Inc.
Young Professional Award: Evan Crawford with Crawford-Willis Group
Shirley Flora Award Presented by Keep Opelika Beautiful: Lela Lofton
Downtown Business of the Year Presented by Opelika Main Street: Rock 'N Roll Pinball
Tourism Partner of the Year Presented by Auburn-Opelika Tourism: Achievement Center Easterseals
Committee Members
Laura Cooper, Board Chair
Becky Brown
Carlton E. Hunley
Raven Harvis
Tipi Miller
John Sweatman
Nakeda Woods
Kendra Nix
Tabitha White
Ronnie Wilson
Amberly Pressley
Eric McDade
If you would like more information on Opelika Chamber's committees & councils, contact
Mackenzie Poole, Director of Leadership & Events at mackenzie@opelikachamber.com.