STATE COLLEGE — The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC) has officially opened nominations for the 2026 Centre County Business Awards, presented by Stuckey Automotive.

The awards recognize businesses and individuals whose work strengthens the local economy and enhances quality of life across the region.

The Centre County Business Awards is a cornerstone event recognizing outstanding achievement through a peer-led nomination and selection process, CBICC said. The chamber encourages the community to consider who has demonstrated leadership and made an impact. “Your nomination is how Centre County spotlights excellence and inspires what’s possible,” the organization said in a statement.

The six awards categories are as follows:

— Nonprofit of the Year: Recognizes a non-profit organization that has made a significant impact on the community.

— ATHENA Champion Leadership Award: Recognizes individuals who serve as allies, advocates and catalysts in promoting women’s leadership.

— Emerging Business of the Year: Recognizes a business that has achieved significant early success.

— Small Business of the Year: Recognizes an outstanding business with 10 or fewer employees.

— Business Leader of the Year: Recognizes an individual who has expertly guided their organization.

— Business of the Year: Recognizes an outstanding business that has had a significant positive impact on Centre County within the past year.

Anyone may nominate an organization or leader in Centre County online at www.cbicc.org/awards. The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Recipients will be recognized at the 2026 Centre County Business Awards ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Nittany Lion Inn.

More information about the event is available at www.cbicc.org/awards. Questions about the nomination process can be directed to CBICC at benita@cbicc.org.

This event is organized by CBICC and made possible through the generous support of presenting sponsor Stuckey Automotive, awards sponsors: Office of the Senior Vice President for Research, College Township Industrial Development Authority, Leonard S. Fiore, PNC Bank, Reliance Bank, Penn Highlands Healthcare and additional sponsors: Warfel Construction, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., Geisinger, Mount Nittany Health, PSU Transportation Services and Fulton Bank.