SHAPIRO CITIZENSHIP AWARD NOMINATIONS

ABOUT THE AWARD

The Greater Watertown – North Country Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2026 Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award are through November 30, 2026.  This is the 73rd annual Shapiro award proudly presented by the Greater Watertown–North Country Chamber of Commerce. 

The award was established by Arnold I. Shapiro to honor the memory of his father, a long-time business leader in the community.  A director of the Chamber at the time of his father’s passing in 1952, Mr. Shapiro sensed a need in Watertown for a symbolic annual recognition of exceptional leadership on behalf of our city.  Over the years, the award has been presented to many deserving individuals for their contributions and service to our community. 

This prestigious award is made based on outstanding citizenship and outstanding contribution in civic or social welfare activity.  Nominations are reviewed by the GWNC Chamber and scored on five key areas: outstanding citizenship, achievement, leadership, dedication, and motivation.  

The recipient of the 2026 Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award will be named at the Business of the Year Awards event on December 16, 2026, and individually honored at the annual Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award Dinner in early 2027.

ELIGIBILITY & CRITERIA:

  • The nominee must be a person 18 years or older and reside in Jefferson County.

  • The nominee must be affiliated with an active member of the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce.

  •  Entries must be made for an individual. Entries that nominate multiple people will not be considered. 

  •  Emphasis will be placed on community activities or involvement by the nominee during the calendar year of 2026.  However, significant accomplishments from past years may be included as additional supporting evidence. 

  •  The award is made on the basis of outstanding citizenship and/or for outstanding contribution in civic or social welfare activity.  Entries will be judged on five key areas: outstanding citizenship, achievement, leadership, dedication, and motivation.

  • Attention should be directed to those individuals who act in a volunteer capacity, with dedication and motivation to contribute without any thought of reward.  

  • Posthumous awards will not be awarded.  

CONTACT

Kaylee Millward

Executive Director

Let’s Connect →

NOMINATION PROCESS:

  • All nominations are to be submitted through the official nomination form below. 

  • Nominations must be submitted by 5pm on November 30, 2026. 

  • Nominations will be reviewed by the GWNC Chamber of Commerce.

  • The award recipient will be named at the GWNC Chamber Business of the Year Award event on December 16, 2026, and individually honored at the annual Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award Dinner in early 2027.

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award, which is presented annually by the Greater Watertown - North Country Chamber of Commerce to an outstanding citizen of the Greater Watertown area.  The award was established by Arnold I. Shapiro to honor the memory of his father, a long-time business leader in this community.  A director of the Chamber at the time of his father’s death in 1952, Mr. Shapiro sensed a need in Watertown for a symbolic annual recognition of exceptional leadership on behalf of our city. Over the years, the award has been presented to many deserving individuals for their contributions and service to our community. 

 You are invited to submit your choice of candidate for this prestigious recognition by November 30, 2026.