Indiana Chamber Announces 2026 Award Honorees
The 37th Annual Awards Dinner will honor top state business, government, and entrepreneurial leaders this November.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Awards
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The Indiana Chamber of Commerce will host its 37th Annual Awards Dinner on November 5, 2026, at the JW Marriott Indianapolis. The event will honor four prominent leaders for their contributions to the state's economy and communities.
Why it matters
These awards recognize individuals who have made significant impacts through leadership, public service, education, and entrepreneurship within Indiana. The celebration highlights influential figures who shape the economic and social landscape of the state.
The awards dinner is set for its 37th iteration and will occur two days after Election Day. Tickets for the event are currently available through the official Indiana Chamber of Commerce website.
The players
Roger Penske
He is the recipient of the Ogletree Deakins Business Leader of the Year award.
Pam Whitten
She is the recipient of the NextEra Energy Resources Dynamic Leader of the Year award.
Chris Jensen
He is the recipient of the Birch Bayh-Richard Lugar Government Leader of the Year award.
Nate Feltman
He is the recipient of the Keystone Group-Indy Eleven Entrepreneur of the Year award.
Indiana Chamber of Commerce
This organization represents the interests of Indiana businesses and hosts the annual awards dinner.
The details
Roger Penske will receive the Business Leader of the Year award, while Pam Whitten is named Dynamic Leader of the Year. Chris Jensen will be honored as Government Leader of the Year, and Nate Feltman will receive the Entrepreneur of the Year award, with Scott Jennings and Jessica Tarlov featured in a panel discussion.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: Announcement of the Yamaha Community of the Year.
November 5, 2026: 37th Annual Awards Dinner.
Culture Shift
This event reflects a broader trend of celebrating local figures to reinforce community identity and economic pride. The recognition of cross-sector leaders showcases the evolving intersection of government, education, and private enterprise in the state.
Attendees can expect to engage with major business and political leaders at the JW Marriott Indianapolis event. Public participation is facilitated through ticket purchases available on the organization's website.
The takeaway
The event serves as a central hub for networking among the state's most influential figures in business and governance. Readers interested in regional leadership should monitor the upcoming community award announcement in October.
What happens next
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce will announce the recipient of the Yamaha Community of the Year award on October 1, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming recognition events, visit the Awards section.
More information
To purchase tickets for the event, visit the Annual Awards Dinner ticket purchase.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBIW.
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