The 2026 Business Recognition Award Ceremony & Annual Meeting presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Honor Credit Union and The Batalis Agency-Farm Bureau Insurance returns Friday, February 20th! Doors open at 7:00am and the program begins at 7:30am at Grand Upton Hall located in the Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College.

We will be announcing our new Board of Directors, sharing our Young Professionals Board – NextGen, recapping 2025, sharing exciting news for 2026 and handing out our Business Recognition Awards!

Just like the past few years, LIVE VOTING is back for 2026! Be part of the excitement as YOU help select our Business Recognition Award winners—live, the morning of the event!

View our 2025 Business Recognition Breakfast Recap Video!

Award Categories & Nominees 

BUSINESS FOCUSED:

Best New Business
Ellsbury Commercial Group
Gym Rat Performance and Wellness
The Batalis Agency — Farm Bureau Insurance
The Melrose Aesthetic 
McCollums at The Grant Hotel

Economic Impact Award
Berrien County
Corewell Health
Four Winds Casinos
Holtec International

Small Business of the Year Award
2nd & Main Coffeehouse + Bar
Bread + Bar
Naturally You Aesthetics Medical Spa
Zo's Mini Donuts

Non-Profit of the Year Award
Meals on Wheels
New Heights CCDA
Redbud Area Ministries
Region IV Area Agency on Aging

COMMUNITY FOCUSED:

Community Placemaking
City of Buchanan - Downtown Infrastructure
Lake Charter Township - John Gast Memorial Trail
New Buffalo Township - Disc Golf Course at Glassman Park
Village of Berrien Springs - Mechanic Street Project
Lincoln Charter Township - John Beers Sidewalk Project

INDIVIDUAL FOCUSED:

Rising Star Award
Allison Brown, ServPro
Austin Batalis, The Batalis Agency — Farm Bureau Insurance
Chris Britton, New Heights CCDA
James Morris, Gym Rat Performance and Wellness

The Pat Moody Award
Jeffrey Bradford, Wightman
Matt Davis, Wightman
Megan Yore, Sturgis Bank