Business Awards

Each year, the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce acknowledges the accomplishments of businesses and the impact they make on our community. The Chamber is looking for member organizations with a strong footprint in the Hanover Community that are deserving of special recognition. Awards include: Women's Enrichment Award, Small Business of The Year, Entrepreneur of The Year, and Positive Action Award.

In addition to celebrating influential businesses, we also recognize the educators that impact the future leaders of our community. Spring Grove, South Western, Hanover, Conewago Valley and Delone Catholic submit their nominees for Educators of the Year who are recognized at the annual Business Awards dinner.

The Winners of the 2024 Annual Business Awards are:

Small Business of the Year: So's Taekwondo

So's Taekwondo has made a significant impact on our community, fostering discipline, respect, and physical fitness through martial arts training.

Entrepreneur of the Year: CAM Innovation

CAM Innovations has shown remarkable innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, driving growth and success in the technology sector.

Positive Action Award: Olivia's House - A Grief and Loss Center for Children

Olivia's House provides invaluable support and healing to children and families during difficult times, making a profound difference in our community.

Educators of the Year:

Conewago Valley School District - Kara Olewiler

Delone Catholic High School - Christina Frizzell

Hanover Public School District - Doug Harris

South Western School District - Suzanne Wimsett

Spring Grove Area School District - Megan Myers

Qualifications for each award can be found below. To submit a nomination, click on the forms to the right.

To emphasize the importance of small business to the economy and welfare of the entire Hanover community, the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce will again recognize among its members the Small Business of the Year that best exemplifies sound principles of business success, personnel management, and community leadership and service.
Eligibility:
- Any Chamber member with no more than 40 full-time employees or
full-time equivalent.
- Business entities, including proprietors, partnerships or corporations doing
business in or located in the Hanover Chamber area.
- A business may apply directly or be nominated by another member.
- Chamber officers' businesses are not eligible.
Criteria:
- Business must have operated at least three years in the area.
- Must show evidence of success and sound growth.
- Must be a visible presence in the community.
- Must be active in support of community organizations and events
The Hanover Area is well-known for the number and variety of its successful businesses. The success of those enterprises derives in great measure from the leadership of innovative owners, managers and founders whose vision and management keep their companies viable in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Criteria:
- A nominee must be a member of the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce, whose business has been locally established for at least two years.
- The nominee's business must be reputable, visible and show the effects of entrepreneurial skill in exemplary management and growth.
- The nominee must be the individual responsible for the reputation that distinguishes the business among its competitors.
The Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce's Positive Action Award recognizes those organizations/businesses that positively contribute to meeting the needs of the Hanover region and work together with community members toward a cooperative vision that suggests ways to manage growth.
Nominating Process:
- Any Chamber member may nominate a candidate for the Positive Action Award. The nomination must be presented in writing to the Awards & Recognition Committee.
- It should describe the actions of the nominee and relate them to a specified Hanover principle, below.
Hanover Principles:
1. Development Sensitivity: The Greater Hanover Region's identity is still that of a small town and rural atmosphere. Future development that is sensitive to this unique condition will be essential if the area's identity is to be retained.
2. Human Services: The Greater Hanover Region is fortunate to have a large number of agencies and organizations devoted to providing health and human services. The health and welfare of the citizenry is a primary concern for an expanding population.
3. Scenic Resources: The Greater Hanover Region is fortunate to have many scenic resources - these must not be taken for granted but instead, must be protected.
4. Regional Cooperation: The Greater Hanover Region is fortunate to have cooperation among its municipalities. This is essential in sharing resources and avoiding duplication of efforts.