Outstanding Young Professional of the Year Award

Entrepreneur on the Rise Award

Presented to an outstanding young professional aged 35 and under who demonstrates exceptional leadership, professional achievement, community involvement, and a commitment to making a positive impact in Key West. This award recognizes an individual who is helping shape the future of our community through innovation, dedication, and service while inspiring others through their accomplishments, involvement, and passion for Key West.

NOMINATE AN INDIVIDUAL FOR OUTSTANDING YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Presented to an emerging entrepreneur who demonstrates vision, innovation, determination, and a commitment to building a successful business in the Key West community. This award recognizes an individual who has shown significant growth, creativity, and leadership while contributing to the local economy and embodying the entrepreneurial spirit that helps our community thrive.

NOMINATE AN INDIVIDUAL FOR ENTREPRENEUR ON THE RISE AWARD

Excellence in Mentorship Award

Presented to an individual who has made a meaningful impact by mentoring, supporting, and guiding the next generation of professionals in the Key West community. This award recognizes someone who shares their knowledge, experience, and encouragement to help others grow, succeed, and navigate their professional journey. Through mentorship, leadership, and a commitment to helping others reach their potential, this individual serves as a guiding light and an example of the lasting impact one person can have on the future of our community.

NOMINATE AN INDIVIDUAL FOR THE EXCELLENCE IN MENTORSHIP AWARD

Venture Award

Awarded for bold investment in a new business or enterprise that exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and adds to the Key West atmosphere. Franchises are not eligible for this award. Businesses must be operating for a minimum of twelve (12) months to be considered. To be eligible, all nominations must have an explanation as to why they are being nominated for the award.

DOWNLOAD THE VENTURE AWARD NOMINATION FORM

Danny Toppino "Business for Beauty" Award

Awarded for major capital projects or extensive renovations that add to the beauty and contribute to the overall attractiveness of Key West. May be awarded to businesses, as well as non-business (government, civic, etc.) projects. To be eligible, all nominations must have an explanation as to why the business/non-business project is nominated for the award.

DOWNLOAD THE DANNY TOPPINO "BUSINESS FOR BEAUTY" AWARD NOMINATION FORM

Island Spirit Award

Presented to a business that truly embodies the unique character, culture, and spirit of Key West. This award recognizes an organization that goes above and beyond to celebrate our community through creativity, hospitality, local involvement, and a genuine commitment to showcasing what makes Key West special. Whether through participation in community events, holiday traditions, exceptional customer experiences, or year-round efforts to promote Key West in a positive light, this business represents the pride, personality, and island spirit that define our community.

NOMINATE AN INDIVIDUAL FOR THE ISLAND SPIRIT AWARD

Piece of the Rock Award

Presented to dedicated individuals who have clearly gone above and beyond the scope of their normal responsibilities to help make Key West a better community through the years. To be eligible, all nominations must have an explanation as to why the individual or individuals are being nominated for the award.

DOWNLOAD A PIECE OF THE ROCK AWARD NOMINATION FORM

Key West Stars

Presented to individuals who go above and beyond by volunteering their time to either the Chamber or other community organizations, sports leagues, etc. We would like to show our appreciation to those who make Key West a better place to live. To be eligible, all nominations must have an explanation as to why the individual was nominated.

DOWNLOAD A KEY WEST STAR AWARD NOMINATION FORM

Historic Preservation Award

Awarded for major projects focused on the renovation and preservation of historic buildings, commercial properties, and landmarks. If nominating an individual, please include information on their projects and facts on the honoree. To be eligible, all nominations must have an explanation as to why the individual or individuals are being nominated for the award.

DOWNLOAD A HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD NOMINATION FORM

​Hall of Fame

For lifetime service that has enhanced the image of the business community, with a positive direction, and innovative ideas for our Chamber.

​Past Recipients:
Margo Golan (1982)
Joe Pinder (1983)
Bob Dion (1984)
Edward Toppino (1985)
Ed Swift (1986)
Paul Sher (1987)
John Koenig (1988)
Frank Romano (1989)
William Kroll (1992)
Frank Toppino (1993)
John Parks, Jr. (1994)
Joe Allen, Jr. (1995)
Gayle Swofford (1999)
Edward Knight (2000)
David Paul Horan (2001)
Dan Lee (2002)
Joe Liszka (2003)
Tom Sawyer (2004)
Virginia Panico (2005)
Sue Barroso (2006)
Randy Moore (2007)
Daniel P. Toppino (2009)
Jose Gonzalez (2010)
Alton Weekley (2011)
Sharon Moore (2012)
Kim Works (2014)
Greg Sullivan (2015)
Esther Tupino (2016)
Melissa Kendrick (2017)
Michael Browning (2018)

​William “Billy” Appelrouth Award

Given to an individual who puts forth effort above and beyond in support of the Chamber and its ideals, in the spirit of legendary Key West business owner Billy Appelrouth.

​2024  William Appelrouth Award Recipient Diane Schmidt

Past Recipients:
Award namesake, Billy Appelrouth
Joe Pinder, 1981
Ed Swift, 1982
Tom Sawyer, 1983
Virginia A. Panico, 1984
Ida Baron, 1985
Alton Weekly, 1986
Randy Moore, 1987
John G. Parks, 1988/1989
Sue Barroso, 1990
Dan Lee, 1991
Peter Ilchuck, 1992
Jose Gonzalez, 1993
Frank Romano, 1994
Jack Martin, 1995
Kim Works, 1996
Sharon Moore, 1997
David Paul Horan, 1998
Melissa Kendrick, 1999
John Dolan-Heitlinger, 2000
Jack Martin, 2001
Greg Sullivan, 2006
Chris Belland, 2007
Diane Gibson, 2008
Bascom L. Grooms, IV, 2009
Robin Lockwood, 2010
Michael Browning, 2011
Jennifer Hulse, 2012
Not awarded, 2013
Not awarded -2014
Robert Spottswood, 2015
Cara Higgins, 2016
Greg Sullivan, 2017
Michael Morawski, 2018
​Patricia Neyra, 2021
Karen Sharp, 2022
George Fernandez, 2023
Diane Schmidt, 2024
​Casey Arnold, 2025

​Athena Award

Local edition of an international award designed to recognize the achievements of outstanding business and professional women.

2024 ATHENA™️ Award Recipient 
Krystal Thomas Sheehan

​Past Recipients
Virginia A. Panico (1986)
Sue Barroso (1987)
Terry Horton (1988)
DeeVon Quirolo (1989)
Linda O’Brien (1990)
Wilhelmina Harvey (1991)
C.C. Roycraft (1992)
Sandra Taylor (1995)
Kim Works (1997)
Connie Rice (1999)
Amy Culver-Aversa (2000)
Sharon Moore (2001)
Phyllis Allen (2002)
Elmira Leto (2003)
Melissa Kendrick (2004)
Merilee McCoy (2005)
Diane Gibson (2007)
Sandra Higgs (2012)
Joy Smatt (2013)
Diane Schmidt (2014)
Rita Irwin (2015)
Piper Smith (2016)
Joan Leggett (2017)
Cara Higgins (2018)
Brenda Donnelly (2019)
Sue Cooper (2020)
​Mona Clark (2021)
Suzanne Moore (2022)
​Nadene Grossman-Orr (2023)
Krystal Thomas (2024)