Chamber Unveils Award Recipients for 2025 Annual Celebration
New Categories Announced for the Spirit of the Region Awards
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 9, 2025) – Today, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce announces the award recipients to be recognized at the 2025 Annual Celebration on Sept. 23 at the Music City Center. In a continuation of the Spirit of the Region Awards, the Chamber unveils seven exciting new award categories designed to celebrate the significant efforts of its members and investors over the past year. These new categories include the Connector, Trailblazer, Catalyst, Influencer, Changemaker, Advocate, and Innovator awards. This year’s celebration will also recognize three special award winners: Jack Cawthon for the Living Legacy Award, Ralph Schulz for the Leadership Excellence Award, and the Grand Ole Opry for the Century Award.
This year’s Annual Celebration, the Chamber’s biggest event of the year, is focused on celebrating the accomplishments, contributions, and impacts of Chamber members and investors throughout the Nashville Region.
“These new award categories exemplify the vision, boldness, and impact of the business leaders who have shaped our community over time and will continue to guide our future,” said Stephanie Coleman, president and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our members and investors are the foundation of everything we do, and this celebration is our chance to honor all they have built. They are role models, legacy builders, and part of the fabric of Nashville’s success—leaders and organizations who open doors, widen the table, and light the way for others as we move forward together.”
2025 Spirit of the Region Award Recipients
Connector Award: Denise LaGrange
Dedicated volunteer and convener whose outreach—from civic initiatives to the Chamber’s Intro Nashville alumni network—sparked new member-to-member connections and opportunities.
Trailblazer Award: John Bradley
Decades of leadership instrumental in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s economic development efforts, driving major regional growth and investor confidence.
Catalyst Award: Melissa Hudson-Gant
Dedicated to building new Partnership 2030 investor relationships and broadened nonprofit engagement; opened the door for peer organizations to participate and invest in the region.
Influencer Award: Lee Blank
Steady champion and advocate for the Chamber—including service as Partnership 2030 chair and as a Chamber board member—that helped align partners and advance the business community’s goals.
Changemaker Award: Urban League of Middle Tennessee
Driving labor force participation for marginalized individuals in the region, providing resources such as training opportunities, job placement, and entrepreneur support.
Advocate Award: Moving Forward
A decade of coalition-building and data-driven advocacy that advanced dedicated mobility/transit solutions for the region culminating in passing the transportation referendum.
Innovator Award: Vanderbilt University
Commitment to making Nashville an innovation hub including recent Innovation District efforts, the Innovation Alliance, and partnerships that connect research, talent, and industry to accelerate commercialization and regional impact.
Living Legacy Award: Jack Cawthon
For nearly five decades of stewardship and entrepreneurship that helped transform Nashville’s Lower Broadway streetscape, visitor experience, and hospitality identity, demonstrating how a local entrepreneur can shape place, community, and prosperity.
Leadership Excellence Award: Ralph Schulz
For exemplary leadership and service to the region, fostering public-private collaboration, and mentoring leaders who strengthen Middle Tennessee’s economy.
Century Award: Grand Ole Opry
Marking its 100-year anniversary, the Grand Ole Opry continues to elevate Nashville’s brand and visitor economy while innovating within hospitality and live entertainment.
All recipients will be recognized at the 2025 Annual Celebration on Sept. 23, 2025, from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at Music City Center. Online registration will be open until Sept. 17 at 5 p.m.
For registration and more information, visit nashvillechamber.com/annual-celebration/
Media Contact
Jordan LaBelle
Manager of Communications
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 615-743-3018
jlabelle@nashvillechamber.com
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About the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is Middle Tennessee’s largest business federation, representing over 1,800 member companies. Belong, engage, lead, prosper embodies the Chamber’s focus on creating economic prosperity by facilitating community leadership. Established in 1990 as an economic development and community enhancement initiative of the Chamber, Partnership 2030 is a regional cooperative dedicated to making Middle Tennessee among the nation’s best places to live, work, and do business. Partnership 2030 is supported by a diverse group of public and private companies as well as governmental agencies from the organization’s 10-county service area. The work of the Chamber is supported by its members, Partnership 2030 investors, and sponsors; the Chamber’s Pivotal Partners (a partnership at the highest level for all Chamber programs and events) are Gresham Smith and Regions Bank. For more information, visit www.nashvillechamber.com.