Recognition & Awards

The RiverBend Growth Association (RBGA) started a new program in 2023 to raise awareness of our many members who are nonprofit agencies. Candidates must be an RBGA member in good standing under the nonprofit dues classification.

A nonprofit will be spotlighted each month in the following ways:

  • A certificate will be presented to the chosen nonprofit
  • A photo will be taken
  • Graphics will be made based on your questionnaire to be posted in RBGA emails and social media
  • Participate in the RBGA monthly radio show on Big Z Media
View Nonprofit Mission Spotlights
Fill out questionnaire to be featured

The Professionals Under 40 (2026 edition) honors 15 local and exceptional business and community leaders in the Riverbend under 40 years of age. These are people on the fast track to great accomplishments.

Meet the 2026 Professionals Under 40
Meet the 2025 Professionals Under 40
Meet the 2024 Professionals Under 40

The Growth Association developed the Small Business Excellence Award program to recognize and honor the many contributions that small businesses make to the region. Nominees are scored for their community service, economic contributions, innovative products and services, response to adversity, and appearance or image of business. Bi-monthly, one RBGA business is selected as the Small Business Excellence Award winner. Winners receive approximately $4,000 in publicity.

  • Winner will be given a 2-sided yard sign to display at your business. A team photo will be taken this day.
  • Winner will be our guest at the RiverBend Growth Association’s networking event, Member Mingle.
  • Attend in person the RiverBend Growth Association’s monthly show on WBGZ Radio (227 Market Street, Alton) or call in to discuss your business live on the air for approximately 15-20 minutes.
  • Winner will receive a wall plaque from the Growth Association.
  • The Growth Association will produce a press release that will be sent out to our local media contacts including AdVantage News, Edwardsville Intelligencer, RiverBender.com, The Telegraph, and WBGZ. 
  • Winner will be featured in RBGA weekly email blasts.
  • Winner will receive social media exposure on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Nominate a Business
Fill out Form
View Winners of the Small Business of the Month Award

Captain of the RiverBend Award

The Captain of the RiverBend Awards were created by the Growth Association to identify and honor the many ways in which local businesses have enhanced the Riverbend region. These awards are presented to businesses and/or individuals that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to government & public enhancement, community service and /or economic enhancement of the region. The awards are presented at the Chamber Choice Awards event.

View Winners of the Captain of the RiverBend Award

Chairman Award

A Chairman Award is given to an individual(s) who has assisted the Growth Association throughout the year. Awardees are selected by the President and the Chairman of the Board of Directors. The awards are presented at the Chamber Choice Awards event.

View Winners of the Chairman’s Awards

What Our Members Say About Us

Being a Chamber member is valuable to my business because it demonstrates our organization's interest in being supportive and active members of the community.

Danny Adams, St. Louis Regional Airport

Being a Chamber member is valuable to my business because I can offer my customers the resources/ referrals that they might need to assist in their day-to-day activities/ needs.

Martha Schultz, First Mid Bank & Trust

Being a Chamber member is valuable to my business because it helps us build relationships, grow awareness, and stay connected!!

Boston Talley, Refuge

Being a Chamber member is valuable to my business because it keeps my business engaged, visible and invested in our community values. 

Alana Yount, Waggoner Equipment Rentals, LLC

Being a Chamber member is valuable to my business because it brings awareness about the importance of being the eyes and ears for vulnerable children in our community.

Erin Bickle, Refuge

Being a Chamber member is valuable to my business because beyond visibility and networking, membership gives us a voice in regional business conversations. RBGA serves as a forum where issues like workforce development, education, infrastructure, and economic policy are discussed in ways that directly impact companies like ours. Being at the table ensures we can help shape the environment we operate in - and contribute to initiatives that build a strong pipeline for future talent and industry growth.

Jane Saale, Cope Plastics, Inc.

Being a Chamber member is valuable to my business because the networking that is provided is unmatchable. You only get out of it what you put into it, but if you attend on a regular basis, it is a vital connection.

Christy Schult, Community Hope Center