KEY TAKEAWAYS: New Orleans Chamber’s annual meeting and awards ceremony is Dec. 9. Michael Hecht will receive the Business Champion Award. Four additional awards will recognize businesses and community leaders. Nominations for the four awards are due Nov. 11.   The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce will hold its 2026 Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony on Dec. 9, recognizing local business leaders and organizations while expanding its annual program to include several awards. The event will take place at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, with registration and networking beginning at 11 a.m. The luncheon and awards program will run from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom. Michael Hecht will receive the chamber’s Business Champion Award, which recognizes a community member for strengthening the local business environment, supporting other leaders and contributing to economic progress. “We’re excited to bring the New Orleans business community together to celebrate the people and businesses making a difference in our city,” said Sandra Lombana Lindquist, president and CEO of the New Orleans Chamber. “This is what the Chamber is all about, shining a light on the leaders who are helping move New Orleans forward.” The chamber also will announce recipients of four awards, with nominations open through Nov. 11. The Dr. Charles C. Teamer Sr. Award recognizes an individual who supports the chamber, promotes equity and contributes to the city’s business community. The award is named for Teamer, who served as chairman of the New Orleans Chamber board from 2008 to 2010 and helped expand membership and establish the Chairman’s Council. The 2026 presentation will mark the third year for the award. Previous recipients were Alden J. McDonald of Liberty Bank in 2024 and Anthony LaMothe of Anthony LaMothe Photography in 2025. The Small Business Award will recognize a New Orleans small business for its success and innovation.   The 504ward Young Professionals Award will honor an emerging professional who demonstrates leadership potential and contributes time and talent to the future of New Orleans through collaboration and community service. The ALICE Pathways to Prosperity Award was created through a partnership between the chamber and United Way of Southeast Louisiana. It recognizes a chamber member working to improve economic opportunity and financial stability for working families. The award focuses on businesses that strengthen employees’ financial security, provide opportunities for increased earnings and address challenges facing ALICE households — those that are asset limited, income constrained and employed. Nominations for the four awards are due Nov. 11. Ticket sales close at noon Dec. 7. The New Orleans Chamber represents businesses throughout the Greater New Orleans area and provides networking, advocacy and other business development programs. ...read more read less