Annual McDowell Chamber Gala
Friday, April 24, 2026 (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM) (EDT)
Description
The McDowell Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Annual Chamber Gala, the organization’s premier celebration of business excellence, leadership, and community impact.
The Gala — held under the theme “Where business meets the heart of McDowell” — will take place on Friday, April 24, 2026, and will honor individuals and businesses whose dedication strengthens the economic vitality and civic spirit of McDowell County.
Community members, Chamber members, and local organizations are encouraged to submit nominations in the following award categories:
- Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award — Honors individuals, teams, or organizations whose commitment to service fosters a culture of citizenship and positively impacts the lives of others.
- New Business of the Year — Recognizes a business operating less than two years that demonstrates leadership, innovation, and early success within the community.
- Employer of the Year — Celebrates a business that exemplifies strong leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to employees and community engagement.
- Spark Plug Award — Presented to a business or individual who has shown an extra “spark of enthusiasm” for the Chamber and the community through initiative, collaboration, and positive energy.
- Lifetime Achievement Award — A distinguished honor recognizing an individual whose sustained leadership, integrity, and long-term contributions have made a lasting impact on McDowell County’s economic and civic landscape.
The Annual Chamber Gala is a time to celebrate the people and businesses who truly make McDowell County thrive. These awards recognize not only professional success, but also the heart, service, and leadership that move our community forward.
Nominations are open now and must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026. A complete nomination form is required to ensure fair and thorough evaluation by an outside, non-biased review panel.
To submit a nomination, visit:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddaWRU-YeUxuSoA1Y5pbdK7a6ay9Jatwcjy4J9Lgm6nu0w9g/viewform?usp=header
For additional information, contact Laura Bustos at laura@mcdowellchamber.com or call 828-652-4240.
Sponsored by: Gentry Service Group
Images
Members: $40
Non-Members: $50
Seating Information:
Tables seat 6 guests. If you purchase multiple tickets and would like to be seated together, please let us know the names of those in your party so we can ensure you are placed at the same table.
Tables will be assigned from the stage toward the back on a first-come, first-served basis according to the order in which tickets are purchased. We encourage early purchase for preferred seating.
2170 Rutherford Rd.
Marion, 28752