Business Awards & Hall of Fame

Some build companies. Some transform industries. Some leave a legacy that changes the Capital Region long after their own careers are over.

The Business Report Business Awards & Hall of Fame celebrates all three.

Presented by Business Report and Junior Achievement, the annual program honors exceptional businesspeople, rising leaders, companies and career achievements. Honorees represent the people and organizations whose leadership, performance, innovation and community impact are helping shape the Capital Region’s economy.

Honorees are profiled in Business Report and recognized at the annual Business Awards & Hall of Fame celebration.

What are the Business Awards & Hall of Fame?

The program celebrates exceptional business leadership, company performance and career achievement across the Capital Region.

What categories are recognized?

The program recognizes five areas of achievement.

• Hall of Fame honors individuals whose distinguished careers have made a significant and lasting contribution to business and the Capital Region.
• Businessperson of the Year recognizes an established business leader whose recent achievements demonstrate exceptional leadership, performance and impact.
• Young Businessperson of the Year recognizes an emerging leader who has already achieved significant professional success and demonstrates the potential for continued leadership and impact.
• Company of the Year—100 or more employees recognizes a larger company demonstrating exceptional business performance, strategic growth, innovation and positive economic or community impact.
• Company of the Year—fewer than 100 employees recognizes a smaller company demonstrating strong performance or growth, effective leadership, innovation and a meaningful impact on its industry, customers or community.

Who can submit a nomination?

Anyone may nominate an eligible individual or company. Self-nominations and nominations of your own company are welcome unless otherwise stated in the current rules.

What makes a strong nomination?

Specificity matters. Explain what the nominee accomplished, why it matters and what distinguishes the person or company. Measurable results, specific examples and evidence of leadership, growth, innovation or community impact make a stronger case.

What is the difference between Businessperson of the Year and Hall of Fame?

Businessperson of the Year focuses primarily on exceptional recent achievement and impact. Hall of Fame recognizes the accomplishments and legacy of a distinguished career.

Can someone be nominated posthumously?

Yes, for the Hall of Fame.

How are honorees selected?

Honorees are selected by a panel of independent community judges.

How do I know if someone has already been honored?

Review the list of past Business Awards & Hall of Fame winners before submitting a nomination.

Where will the honorees be featured?

Honorees are profiled in the annual Business Awards & Hall of Fame edition of Business Report and recognized at the celebration.

When is the event held?

The celebration is traditionally held in March.

What happens at the event?

Executives, entrepreneurs and community leaders come together to recognize that year’s award recipients and Hall of Fame inductees.

Do I need to be an honoree or nominee to attend?

No. The event is open to the broader business community.

Who typically attends?

Business owners, senior executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, past honorees and civic and community leaders.

Are honorees featured in Business Report?

Yes. Honorees are profiled in conjunction with the annual awards.

Can I purchase a table or group tickets?

Ticket and table packages vary by year. Check the current event page.

What should I wear?

Business or cocktail attire is appropriate unless otherwise noted.

Are sponsorship opportunities available?

Yes.