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Community award winners announced at annual Jackson County Chamber dinner

Friday, March 13, 2026 at 10:15 AM

Courtesy-Jackson County Chamber

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Jackson County Chamber hosted the 95th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 12, at Jackson Live and Event Center in Seymour.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Jackson County Chamber hosted the 95th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 12, at Jackson Live and Event Center in Seymour.

Highlights of the evening included a year-in-review presentation, a look ahead for the Chamber, and the presentation of the Chamber Awards and Jackson County Visitor Center Awards.    

The 2026 Chamber Award Business Hall of Fame winners were:    

  • Small Business of the Year – Meraki Massage & Wellness
  • Medium Business of the Year – First Financial Bank
  • Large Business of the Year – Cerrowire
  • Committee Member of the Year – Lance Gentry
  • Young Professional of the Year – Abigail Wheeler
  • Spirit of the Chamber – Sehrish Sangamkar

The 2026 Teacher of the Year awards were also handed out, recognizing outstanding educators in Jackson County:     

  • Elementary School – Jennie Chase (Emerson Elementary) and Tina McClure (Brownstown)
  • Middle School – Alicia McCrary (Brownstown Central Middle)
  • High School – Sara Bane (Seymour High School)

This year, the Jackson County Chamber partnered with the Jackson County Visitor Center to present three special hospitality awards:      

  • Heart of Hospitality Award – Kaylee Holt (Kay’s Kafe)
  • Smalltown Impact in Hospitality Award – Conner Barnette
  • Smalltown Hospitality Excellence Award – Sam Patel (Fun Blast)     

The Jackson County Chamber is a membership organization dedicated to connecting, building, and growing businesses, partners, and the community. The Chamber's vision is to cultivate a thriving and prosperous business environment in Jackson County.

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