Greater Rochester Chamber opens call for submissions for 2026 Inclusive Leadership Award

Rochester, New York – The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has officially opened submissions for its 2026 Inclusive Leadership Award, inviting organizations across the region to step forward and be recognized for their efforts in building stronger, more inclusive workplaces.

The award is designed to highlight organizations that are not only improving internal culture but also influencing broader community values through leadership practices centered on fairness, respect, and belonging. According to the Chamber, the recognition is intended for employers that “create meaningful, lasting changes in workplace cultures where employees feel acknowledged and valued.” It also emphasizes leadership that extends beyond office walls and contributes positively to the Greater Rochester region.

The Chamber describes the award as a way to spotlight organizations that lead with purpose and set an example for others. These are workplaces where inclusion is not treated as a slogan, but as a lived practice embedded in everyday decision-making, employee engagement, and long-term strategy.

Applications for the award will be reviewed by an independent panel of judges. The evaluation process will focus on four key areas that reflect the Chamber’s definition of inclusive leadership. These include cultivating a culture of belonging, implementing fair and equitable practices, developing empowered and engaged teams, and fostering community connection. Each category is intended to capture a different dimension of workplace inclusion, from internal policies to external impact.

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Organizations interested in participating have two pathways to be considered. Nominations can be submitted online through Friday, July 10, while organizations also have the option to apply directly without a nomination through Friday, July 17. Both application routes are open to eligible employers across the Greater Rochester region.

Once the submission period closes, a group of finalists will be selected and announced in early August. From there, the process will move toward the final stage of recognition later in the year.

The Inclusive Leadership Award will be formally presented at a ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. The event will run from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM and is expected to bring together business leaders, community representatives, and participating organizations. In addition to the award presentation, the ceremony is also positioned as a networking opportunity for organizations committed to workplace development and community engagement.

The Chamber has also noted that sponsorships and registration opportunities are available for those interested in attending or supporting the event. Additional details can be found through its official sponsor and registration information channels.

For questions or additional information regarding the award process, organizations may contact [email protected]. The Chamber encourages interested applicants to reach out early, particularly as deadlines approach and submission activity increases.

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The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce continues to position itself as a central hub for business development and regional collaboration. It describes its mission as combining advocacy, compliance support, talent development, and a focus on belonging to help organizations grow and adapt in a changing environment.

As stated by the Chamber, it aims to be “the region’s one-stop shop for business support, influence, and community connection.” Through initiatives like the Inclusive Leadership Award, it seeks to recognize organizations that are not only achieving business success but also contributing to a stronger and more connected community.

With the 2026 award cycle now open, the Chamber is encouraging organizations of all sizes to reflect on their workplace culture and consider whether their leadership practices align with the principles of inclusion, fairness, and community engagement that the award represents.