Community award winners announced at annual Jackson County Chamber dinner

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Jackson County Chamber hosted the 95th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 12, at Jackson Live and Event Center in Seymour.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Jackson County Chamber hosted the 95th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 12, at Jackson Live and Event Center in Seymour.

Highlights of the evening included a year-in-review presentation, a look ahead for the Chamber, and the presentation of the Chamber Awards and Jackson County Visitor Center Awards.    

The 2026 Chamber Award Business Hall of Fame winners were:    

• Small Business of the Year – Meraki Massage & Wellness
• Medium Business of the Year – First Financial Bank
• Large Business of the Year – Cerrowire
• Committee Member of the Year – Lance Gentry
• Young Professional of the Year – Abigail Wheeler
• Spirit of the Chamber – Sehrish Sangamkar

The 2026 Teacher of the Year awards were also handed out, recognizing outstanding educators in Jackson County:     

• Elementary School – Jennie Chase (Emerson Elementary) and Tina McClure (Brownstown)
• Middle School – Alicia McCrary (Brownstown Central Middle)
• High School – Sara Bane (Seymour High School)

This year, the Jackson County Chamber partnered with the Jackson County Visitor Center to present three special hospitality awards:      

• Heart of Hospitality Award – Kaylee Holt (Kay’s Kafe)
• Smalltown Impact in Hospitality Award – Conner Barnette
• Smalltown Hospitality Excellence Award – Sam Patel (Fun Blast)     

The Jackson County Chamber is a membership organization dedicated to connecting, building, and growing businesses, partners, and the community. The Chamber's vision is to cultivate a thriving and prosperous business environment in Jackson County.