Award Categories
& Nomination Information
The 2nd Annual Spirit of DeKalb Awards celebrates the unique accomplishments and contributions of individuals and businesses within DeKalb County, GA. It is the premiere event of DeKalb County Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. After reviewing the categories below, we welcome you to submit nominees for consideration by Wednesday, November 8, 2023, keeping in mind that each DeKalb County resident can submit no more than one nomination in each category.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
CELEBRATING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUTSTANDING CITIZENS
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual to commemorate a lifetime of outstanding vision, dedication, and commitment, alongside a demonstrated work ethic, that has led to success in your respective field or endeavor.
BILL GATES PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR AWARD
CELEBRATING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUTSTANDING CITIZENS
The Philanthropist of the Year Award honors an individual, family or corporate structure with a proven record of exceptional generosity that, through direct financial support, demonstrates outstanding civic and charitable responsibility and whose generosity encourages others to take on philanthropic leadership roles within the community.
LOU WALKER COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
CELEBRATING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUTSTANDING CITIZENS
The Lou Walker Impact Award is given to an individual who is making a difference in the community. This includes, but is not limited to, involvement in community service and outreach projects, program developers and non-profits, who initiate programs and services that positively impact community and individuals.
ARTHUR M. BLANK INNOVATION AWARD
CELEBRATING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUTSTANDING CITIZENS
The Arthur M. Blank Innovation Award recognizes unselfish corporate dedication to philanthropy by corporations and businesses. These organizations take Conscious Capitalism to the next level through their gracious giving to and dedication to enhancing community and transforming lives through programs and services that make us all better.
PUBLIC SERVANT OF
THE YEAR AWARD
CELEBRATING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUTSTANDING CITIZENS
The Public Servant of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional public servant who puts people first. The award recognizes the dedication, vision and commitment of a public servant who impacts the lives of others and places community first.
CHAMBER VOLUNTEER
OF THE YEAR AWARD
* Award selected internally by the Dekalb County Chamber
CELEBRATING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUTSTANDING CITIZENS
The Volunteer of the Year Award provides opportunity to publicly recognize one Chamber Member who exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and community leadership through participation in Chamber of Commerce committees, programs, and activities.
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
CELEBRATING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUTSTANDING CITIZENS
Recognizes an entrepreneur who is 40 years or under and has demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit and initiative, ensured advancement of their industry by actions and endeavors, and serves as a shining example to current and future young professionals in DeKalb County.
BUSINESS LEGACY AWARD
CELEBRATING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUTSTANDING CITIZENS
Recognizes inspiring leadership that transcends business and leaves a legacy of community and economic vitality for generations to come. The Business Legacy Award will be presented to an extraordinary business that has been in business for 30 years or more, embodies Leadership, Innovation, Employee Investment and Community Service.
EARL A. WALKER SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD
CELEBRATING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUTSTANDING CITIZENS
Honors the important role small businesses play in DeKalb community and local economy. The individual must demonstrate staying power; a sustained history of continued growth; and evidence of the use of his or her personal time and resources to improve DeKalb.
BUSINESS OF THE
YEAR AWARD
CELEBRATING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUTSTANDING CITIZENS
Businesses must be located in DeKalb County and demonstrate an impact on the community in terms of creation of new, quality job opportunities; recent or current expansion of an existing facility; the construction of a new facility; or substantial investment in capital equipment are considered; and demonstrate support or involvement in a broad range of community economic development activities.