Adams County Chamber Closes Nominations, Launches 40 Under 40 Event
The Adams County Chamber of Commerce closed nominations on December 18 for its inaugural 40 Under 40 awards, a new program to recognize young local leaders under age 40 as of December 31, 2025. The recognition ceremony is set for January 22, 2026 at The Willow Event Center in West Union, offering honorees membership benefits, professional branding services, and networking opportunities that could strengthen the county workforce and business community.
Nominations for the Adams County Chamber of Commerce inaugural 40 Under 40 program closed at 11:59 p.m. on December 18, 2025. The awards will honor 40 residents or workers in Adams County who are under age 40 as of December 31, 2025 and have demonstrated leadership and community impact. The recognition event is scheduled for January 22, 2026 at The Willow Event Center in West Union.
The Chamber set a $40 application fee and accepted self nominations. Submissions were evaluated by independent volunteer judges. Selected honorees will receive a one year Chamber membership, a recognition plaque, a professional branding package, an opportunity for a headshot, inclusion in press coverage, and an invitation to a networking and Alumni Network. The Chamber posted the nomination form and additional contact and location information on its website at adamscountyohchamber.com/40-under-40/.
For a county with a small employer base and an ongoing need to retain and develop local talent, the program is a concentrated effort to signal value for early career professionals. Recognitions such as this serve as public signals that can reduce hiring frictions, boost resume visibility, and improve retention by expanding local networks. The professional branding and Chamber membership included for honorees translate into direct investments in human capital that can help small firms recruit and promote from within.
Local economic implications extend beyond individual recipients. The January event will concentrate business leaders, nonprofit organizers, and elected officials in West Union, generating short term demand for venues and local services while creating longer term connections that shape volunteer boards, entrepreneurship support, and civic projects. By convening forty emerging leaders the Chamber aims to build a visible pipeline of talent that local employers and policymakers can engage for workforce development initiatives.
With nominations now closed, the Chamber will proceed through its judging process and announce honorees ahead of the January ceremony. Residents who submitted nominations or who need further information can consult the Chamber page at the provided link for contact and location details.
Sources:
Know something we missed? Have a correction or additional information?
Submit a Tip
