Our success as a city relies significantly on the leadership of individuals who push good things forward through their efforts. It could be a business, an arts initiative, a community event — really, it could be anything that elevates our city in some way.
Through a nomination process, the editorial team at Edify wants you to identify the Edmonton-and-area residents and organizations who exemplify the energy, focus, innovation and creative thinking that builds this city.
Edify has teamed up with the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce as a community partner to celebrate six Edifier award recipients and one Chamber business leader whose contributions to our city deserve to be recognized.
The Jan/Feb 2026 issue of Edify will profile these people and organizations, and tell the stories of those who are contributing in a significant way to our community. And to top it all off, the annual Edifier awards will be a highlight of the Chamber Ball in January 2026, where we will honour the award recipients in each category.
The Chamber Ball will also honour the Edmonton Chamber’s Business Leader of the Year.
A community builder is a person who values a sense of belonging and imparts that to others by creating connections, encouraging participation and building consensus amongst diverse groups.
This award recipient is a leader, teacher, supporter, cheerleader, listener — that one person who builds us all up, creates connections between us and leaves a lasting impression on everyone about what it means to be valued.
A retail maverick is an individual or business that sets a high standard for customer service and merchandising, and has found success in spite of downward pressure on bricks-and-mortar retail. This award winner knows how to create a shopping/dining experience and sets the example for other retailers about what it means to be a leader in retail.
Must be a member of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.
An early career leader, this award will go to a person with high potential – someone who is a young leader in the community and showing positive growth in career development and engagement. A person with ideas, engaged in the community and already laying a track record of business accomplishments.
Must be a member of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.
This is a person who is helping the Edmonton arts community flourish. Involved as a leader, advocate, curator, programmer, volunteer, philanthropist or any other role, this person demonstrates community engagement, strategic thinking, best practices and support of equity in the arts community. A cultural leader who shows others the relevance and importance of artistic activity in our city.
This is a person who is making a major difference in the community by bringing a depth of experience and perspective to foster a positive approach to citizen development. Leading the way in being a positive influence, this person is a catalyst for transformative change. A champion of equity and empowerment of marginalized voices, the recipient of this award fosters inclusive cultures and moves their business or organization forward to be a place where inclusion is the norm.
A trailblazer is a person or an organization who is at or near the top of their area of interest or expertise and leads the way for others to follow. Trailblazers are those rare individuals or groups with a sense of direction and the fortitude to lead the way.
Characterized by fearlessness and innovation, a trailblazer is turning heads, moving things forward in new ways or is simply that person or group that you just have to follow.
Must be a member of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.
The information provided in these applications will be held in confidence by the editorial staff at Odvod Publishing/Edify magazine.
Successful applicants will be contacted for an interview that will be the basis of editorial coverage in Edify’s magazine and digital properties.
Nominations close on October 14, 2025
