Every year the Chamber of Commerce celebrates the "pillars of our community" to recognize excellence in our community and honor those individuals, organizations and businesses that make Citrus County a wonderful place to live, work and play.
"It is important to take the time to recognize those who have dedicated themselves to our Community. Certain individuals, organizations, and businesses go above and beyond and this is our opportunity to say we see you and we are grateful."
Annual Pillar Award Descriptions
Charles B. Fitzpatrick Heritage Award
Criteria: An individual who has made a significant impact on the quality of life in Citrus County with a lifetime of service and community involvement. It is not necessary or required that the nominees be currently active in community service. This individual is someone who has “left their mark” on Citrus County.
Rick Quinn Distinguished Citizen Award
Criteria: A deserving community leader, who exemplifies the ideals of community volunteerism in their daily lives. This award recognizes their outstanding contributions to improving the quality of life in Citrus County.
Mike Scott Community Service Award
Criteria: An adult who has contributed significantly to the youth in Citrus County.
Charles B. Fitzpatrick Heritage Award
Criteria: An individual who has made a significant impact on the quality of life in Citrus County with a lifetime of service and community involvement. It is not necessary or required that the nominees be currently active in community service. This individual is someone who has “left their mark” on Citrus County.
Rick Quinn Distinguished Citizen Award
Criteria: A deserving community leader, who exemplifies the ideals of community volunteerism in their daily lives. This award recognizes their outstanding contributions to improving the quality of life in Citrus County.
Mike Scott Community Service Award
Criteria: An adult who has contributed significantly to the youth in Citrus County.
Shawn Harrison Outstanding Youth Service Award
Criteria: A youth who has shown outstanding volunteer service for the betterment of the youth in Citrus County.
John T. Barnes Outstanding Community Organization Award
Criteria: A non-profit organization that has significantly sustained its contribution to Citrus County over the years.
Walt Connors Business Award
Criteria: A well-established business that has made a significant impact on the quality of business in Citrus County. This business is one that has significantly sustained its contributions over the years to the community through their support.
Shawn Harrison Outstanding Youth Service Award
Criteria: A youth who has shown outstanding volunteer service for the betterment of the youth in Citrus County.
John T. Barnes Outstanding Community Organization Award
Criteria: A non-profit organization that has significantly sustained its contribution to Citrus County over the years.
Walt Connors Business Award
Criteria: A well-established business that has made a significant impact on the quality of business in Citrus County. This business is one that has significantly sustained its contributions over the years to the community through their support.
The Philip P Royal First Responder Award
Criteria: A first responder, who not only exemplifies their profession, but is motivated to pursue excellence in service of the community. The Phil P Royal First Responder Award recognizes a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or EMS person who has gone above and beyond the call of duty.
The Lillian Smith Leadership Citrus Award
Nominated by the Leadership Citrus Committee: A Leadership Citrus member who has shown outstanding leadership within the organization as well as the community.
The Mandi Warren Richards Rising Star Award
Nominated by the Young Professionals committee: A young professional that has made an early and significant impact on the community and who is recognized as being on the path to becoming a lifelong leader.
The Philip P Royal First Responder Award
Criteria: A first responder, who not only exemplifies their profession, but is motivated to pursue excellence in service of the community. The Phil P Royal First Responder Award recognizes a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or EMS person who has gone above and beyond the call of duty.
The Lillian Smith Leadership Citrus Award
Nominated by the Leadership Citrus Committee: A Leadership Citrus member who has shown outstanding leadership within the organization as well as the community.
The Mandi Warren Richards Rising Star Award
Nominated by the Young Professionals committee: A young professional that has made an early and significant impact on the community and who is recognized as being on the path to becoming a lifelong leader.
Chris Delgado Ambassador of the Year Award
Nominated by the Chamber Ambassadors Committee: An Ambassador who has shown outstanding service to the organization and Chamber members
The Jean Grant Business Women's Alliance Award
Nominated by the Chamber Business Women's Alliance: A BWA member who has dedicated outstanding service to the organization, as well as the community.
The Altrusa of Citrus County Mamie L. Bass Award
Nominated by Altrusa of Citrus County. An individual who exemplifies excellence in character, business, and citizenship. Exhibiting an altruistic attitude in public involvement, recognizing that the community impact is greater than the individual.
Chris Delgado Ambassador of the Year Award
Nominated by the Chamber Ambassadors Committee: An Ambassador who has shown outstanding service to the organization and Chamber members
The Jean Grant Business Women's Alliance Award
Nominated by the Chamber Business Women's Alliance: A BWA member who has dedicated outstanding service to the organization, as well as the community.
The Altrusa of Citrus County Mamie L. Bass Award
Nominated by Altrusa of Citrus County. An individual who exemplifies excellence in character, business, and citizenship. Exhibiting an altruistic attitude in public involvement, recognizing that the community impact is greater than the individual.
The George Rusaw "Let's Build It" Award
Nominated by the Citrus County Building Alliance: A member of the building community who exemplifies excellence in craftsmanship while also demonstrating a deep dedication to strengthening Citrus County through service, integrity, and leadership. More than just their contributions to building exceptional homes, recipients of this award help build opportunity, inspire progress, and leave a lasting, positive impact on the people and future of our community.
The George Rusaw "Let's Build It" Award
Nominated by the Citrus County Building Alliance: A member of the building community who exemplifies excellence in craftsmanship while also demonstrating a deep dedication to strengthening Citrus County through service, integrity, and leadership. More than just their contributions to building exceptional homes, recipients of this award help build opportunity, inspire progress, and leave a lasting, positive impact on the people and future of our community.
Annual Pillar Silent Auction!
Get ready to bid, win, and make an impact! Our Silent Auction features an exciting collection of items generously donated by local businesses and community supporters, from unique experiences and dining packages to exclusive services and one-of-a-kind finds.
Every bid placed helps support the mission behind the Pillar Awards, celebrating and strengthening the businesses, leaders, and organizations that make our community thrive.
Browse, bid often, and don’t wait until the last minute; your next favorite item (or experience) might just be one bid away!
2024-25 Pillar Award Recipients
