NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the honorees for its 2025 Annual Celebration, set for Tuesday, September 23, at the Music City Center. This year, the Chamber introduced seven new award categories as part of the Spirit of the Region Awards, designed to recognize members and investors who have made significant contributions to the region over the past year.
The new categories—Connector, Trailblazer, Catalyst, Influencer, Changemaker, Advocate, and Innovator—spotlight the vision and leadership shaping Nashville’s future.
Special honors will also be presented to:
- Jack Cawthon, Living Legacy Award
- Ralph Schulz, Leadership Excellence Award
- Grand Ole Opry, Century Award, celebrating its 100th anniversary
2025 Spirit of the Region Award Winners
- Connector Award: Denise LaGrange
- Trailblazer Award: John Bradley
- Catalyst Award: Melissa Hudson-Gant
- Influencer Award: Lee Blank
- Changemaker Award: Urban League of Middle Tennessee
- Advocate Award: Moving Forward
- Innovator Award: Vanderbilt University
Chamber President and CEO Stephanie Coleman said the new awards highlight leaders and organizations that 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.”
The Annual Celebration, the Chamber’s largest event of the year, runs from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on September 23. Registration is open online until September 17 at 5 p.m.
For registration and more information, visit nashvillechamber.com/annual-celebration/
