Submitted by Haley Stafford
(July 10, 2026) — Juliet Cavanaugh, Chairwoman of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, has announced that the Chamber is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Distinguished Citizen Award.
Each year, the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce presents the Distinguished Citizen Award to one or more individuals who have served as an inspiration to others and are recognized throughout the Middlesex County community for selflessly giving their time and talents to create a lasting and positive impact on the region.
The Distinguished Citizen Award honors individuals whose contributions extend beyond the normal responsibilities of their profession or employment. Special consideration is given to volunteerism, civic engagement, charitable work, mentorship, leadership, and other meaningful acts of service that have benefited the community.
To be eligible for nomination, candidates must:
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Live or work in one of the following fourteen Middlesex County communities: Chester, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Middlefield, Middletown, Portland, Rocky Hill, or Westbrook.
- Be widely recognized as having unselfishly given their time and talent to produce a lasting benefit to the area.
- Demonstrate community service and contributions that go beyond the normal duties of their profession or employment.
- Not have previously received the Distinguished Citizen Award.
“Each year, we are inspired by the remarkable individuals who dedicate themselves to making Middlesex County a better place to live, work, and thrive,” said Johanna Bond, President of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. “We encourage community members to nominate those who exemplify service, leadership, and a commitment to helping others. Their contributions deserve to be recognized and celebrated.”
The recipient(s) of the 2026 Distinguished Citizen Award will be honored at the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards Dinner on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station in Haddam.
Nominations must be submitted in writing no later than July 27, 2026. The Distinguished Citizen Award Committee will review all nominations and select this year’s recipient(s).
To submit a nomination or learn more, please visit: https://www.middlesexchamber.com/awards-and-scholarships/
