PAULDING, OHIO — The Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Annual Awards and Golden Shovel Awards. Honorees will be recognized during the Chamber’s Annual Banquet on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Grant’s Catering in Antwerp.

This year’s banquet theme, “Planted in Paulding,” celebrates the people, businesses, and organizations that are deeply rooted in Paulding County and helping cultivate a stronger future for the community.

Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals and organizations in the following categories:

Young Professional of the Year

Recognizes an emerging leader under the age of 40 who is making a meaningful difference through their work, leadership, and community involvement.

Business Leader of the Year

Honors an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership, vision, innovation, and a positive impact on business and the community.

Legacy Award

Recognizes an individual whose lifelong service, leadership, and dedication have helped build a stronger Paulding County.

Nominations for the Young Professional of the Year, Business Leader of the Year, and Legacy Award may be submitted at:

https://bit.ly/2026PACCAwards

Golden Shovel Award

The Golden Shovel Award recognizes businesses, organizations, municipalities, and community groups making a significant impact through growth, revitalization, investment, service, and community commitment.

Golden Shovel Award nominations may be submitted at:

https://bit.ly/2026PACCGoldShovelAward

Nominations are due Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

The Chamber encourages residents to take a few minutes to recognize someone whose work deserves to be celebrated. Community members should not assume someone else will submit a nomination. Every nomination helps bring attention to the people and organizations making a difference throughout Paulding County.

2026 Annual Banquet

The 2026 Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Grant’s Catering in Antwerp.

The evening will include:

• Social hour beginning at 5:00 p.m.

• Dinner beginning at 6:00 p.m.

• Dessert Dash

• Annual awards

• Networking and community celebration

Tickets are $40 per person, and reserved tables of eight are available for $300.

Banquet registration is available at:

https://www.pauldingchamber.com/Annual-Banquet

Registration is due Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

The Chamber invites businesses, organizations, community leaders, and residents to attend this special evening as Paulding County comes together to recognize the people and organizations helping the community grow.

For questions, contact the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce at 419-399-5215 or info@pauldingchamber.com.