The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its 2026 annual awards.

The awards recognize outstanding individuals and businesses whose dedication, leadership and service have made a lasting impact on the Tamaqua community.

“Each year, these awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the people and businesses who make Tamaqua such a special community,” said Aimee Dotson, the chamber’s executive director. “We encourage our chamber members and community to take a few minutes to nominate someone deserving. It is a wonderful way to recognize those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to strengthen our local economy and improve the quality of life for everyone.”

Community and chamber members are encouraged to submit nominations for the following awards:

• 2026 Joseph M. Plasko Citizenship Award — Recognizes an individual whose volunteer efforts have made significant contributions to the civic advancement of Tamaqua and the well-being of its citizens.

The award is presented annually based on an individual’s overall commitment to serving the community. It is not based solely on one particular civic endeavor, such as involvement with a religious, economic, charitable or community organization, but rather on a lifetime of service through a variety of activities.

Eligible nominees must be a living resident of the Tamaqua Area School District and be 18 years of age or older.

This award recognizes volunteer service only. Any work for which the nominee was paid will not be considered during the selection process.

• 2026 Business Person of the Year Award — Honors an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership, business achievement, initiative and creativity while promoting the importance of business within the Tamaqua community.

Eligible nominees must own, operate or be employed by a business or nonprofit organization that is a current chamber member; demonstrate excellence in their profession or business, and exhibit leadership, innovation and a commitment to their organization and community.

Nominations for this award must be submitted by a current chamber member.

• 2026 Business of the Year Award — recognizes a chamber member business that has demonstrated excellence in business practices while making meaningful contributions to the Tamaqua community.

Eligible nominees include any profit or nonprofit business that is a current chamber member.

Judging will be based on staying power and longevity; business growth and success; contributions to the community; and overall management philosophy.

Nominations for this award must be submitted by a current chamber member.

The recipients of all three awards will be announced at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 3 during the chamber’s Summer Concert Series on the Tamaqua Train Station platform.

The awards will be presented during the chamber’s Annual Awards and Dinner Gala on Oct. 1 at Mountain Valley Golf Course.

Nomination forms are available online at www.tamaqua.net/annual-awards.

Completed nomination forms may be emailed to chamber@tamaqua.net or sent to Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 54, Tamaqua, PA 18252.

The chamber encourages members and residents to take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding individuals and businesses that help make the Tamaqua area a wonderful place to live, work and grow.

For more information, visit www.tamaqua.net or contact the chamber.