Business

Chamber’s Choice Awards 2026: Winners and Highlights

By Eric RingwelskiSeptember 21, 2026Kalamazoo CountyBusiness, Chamber Corner

The Southwest Michigan First Chamber brought together small business owners, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and community partners on Thursday, September 17 at Western Michigan University’s Dalton Recital Hall for the 2026 Chamber’s Choice Small Business Conference and Celebration. Hosted in partnership with Varnum LLP and Kabundant, this year’s event centered on the theme Small Is Your Superpower, celebrating the people and organizations making an impact across greater Kalamazoo.

Keynote speaker Shawna Suckow, CSP, author of Small Is Your Superpower, shared how small businesses can turn their size, personality, and connection to customers into a competitive advantage. Breakout sessions from the Michigan Retailers Association, Michael Prebenda of Evergreen Hill, LLC, and a5 Branding & Digital explored differentiation, understanding your audience, and competing for attention. The afternoon culminated with the 2026 Chamber’s Choice Awards, presented by LMCU.

2026 Chamber’s Choice Award Winners

Alumna of the Year
Maria Newhouse
Presented by WMU Alumni Association
Nonprofit of the Year
Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo
Presented by United Way of South Central Michigan
Veteran-Owned Business of the Year
B.C. Pizza
Presented by Modern Woodmen of America Financial Services
BIPOC-Owned Business of the Year
Kalamazoo Forward Ventures
Presented by City of Kalamazoo Community Planning & Economic Development
LGBTQIA+-Owned Business of the Year
Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis
Presented by OutFront Kalamazoo
Woman-Owned Business of the Year
Colors & Cocktails
Presented by Caring Companions Kalamazoo
Chamber Member Business of the Year (Mid/Large, 50+ Employees)
College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk, Moving & Storage Kalamazoo
Presented by People Forward
Chamber Member Business of the Year (Small, Up to 50 Employees)
Gull Meadow Farms
Presented by Acrisure
Entrepreneur of the Year
Dare’l McMillian, M2 McMillian Media
Presented by Kalamazoo Forward Ventures
Chamber Ambassador of the Year
Taylor Barnes, Kellogg Community Credit Union

Congratulations to all of the 2026 Chamber’s Choice Award winners, finalists, and nominees, and thank you to the sponsors and community partners who helped make this year’s celebration possible.

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