Plano Chamber Announces 2026 Best of Plano Award Recipients as Organization Celebrates 80 Years
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: LaChaya Terry
Phone: 972-424-7547, ext. 224
Email: lachayat@planochamber.org
Plano Chamber Announces 2026 Best of Plano Award Recipients as Organization Celebrates 80 Years
PLANO, TX (October 16, 2026) – The Plano Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Best of Plano Awards, recognizing individuals, businesses, and organizations whose leadership, service, and contributions continue to strengthen the Plano community. This year’s celebration holds special significance as Best of Plano 2026 will serve as the culminating event of the Plano Chamber’s 80th Anniversary year, honoring eight decades of business leadership, community partnerships, and economic progress.
The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Marriott at Legacy Town Center in Plano. For generations, the Best of Plano Awards have celebrated those who go above and beyond to make Plano an exceptional place to live, work, and do business. This year’s honorees represent a diverse group of business professionals, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and nonprofit organizations whose contributions continue to shape the community.
2026 Best of Plano Award Recipients
- Citizen of the Year: Nancy Humphrey
- Business Person of the Year: James Fripp, Yum! Brands
- Small Business Person of the Year: Jeff Beckley and Juliette Collin, Beckley & Associates
- Young Professional of the Year: Jessica Russell, Olive Branch Counseling
- ATHENA Award: Graciela Katzer, Plano International Festival
- Outstanding Corporate Citizen: USAA
- Community Partner of the Year: ArtCentre of Plano
- Special Award of Merit: Coach Tom Kimbrough
The evening will also feature the presentation of two additional honors:
- Distinguished Leadership Award, presented by Leadership Plano: Bob Kehr, Kehr Technologies
- Boswell Award, presented by the Hendrick Scholarship Foundation: Diane Robbins honoring Leadership, Service, and Community Impact
Among this year’s honorees is Nancy Humphrey, who will receive the prestigious Citizen of the Year Award. The award recognizes an outstanding Plano citizen whose personal contributions, beyond their professional responsibilities, have demonstrated a sustained commitment to the welfare and advancement of the community. Humphrey received the news during a special surprise announcement attended by previous Citizen of the Year recipients, welcoming her into a distinguished group of community leaders who have helped shape Plano through their dedication and service.
The Chamber will also recognize James Fripp of Yum! Brands as Business Person of the Year, celebrating business leadership and professional excellence. Jeff Beckley and Juliette Collin of Beckley & Associates will be recognized as Small Business Persons of the Year, highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship and small businesses in Plano’s economic success. Jessica Russell of Olive Branch Counseling will receive the Young Professional of the Year Award, recognizing the contributions of emerging leaders in the community. The ATHENA Award will be presented to Graciela Katzer, President of the Plano International Festival, recognizing her leadership, community service, and commitment to supporting the advancement of women.
Corporate and nonprofit contributions will also be celebrated, with USAA receiving the Outstanding Corporate Citizen Award and ArtCentre of Plano being named Community Partner of the Year. One of the evening’s special recognitions will honor Coach Tom Kimbrough, recipient of the Special Award of Merit. Established in 1975, this distinction recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional civic and charitable responsibility and go beyond the call of duty to improve the Plano community. Kimbrough will become only the 22nd recipient of this rarely presented honor. Additional recognition will include Bob Kehr, recipient of the Distinguished Leadership Award from Leadership Plano, and Diane Robbins, recipient of the Hendrick Scholarship Foundation’s Boswell Award, which honors philanthropic leadership and service in Collin County.
Celebrating 80 Years of the Plano Chamber
Since 1946, the Plano Chamber of Commerce has played a role in connecting businesses, developing leaders, advocating for a strong business environment, and supporting the community’s growth. As the Chamber celebrates its 80th Anniversary, Best of Plano 2026 will bring together generations of community leadership to reflect on the organization’s legacy and recognize those helping shape its future.
The evening will feature a reception, dinner, entertainment, and the presentation of awards honoring this year’s recipients. Community members, business leaders, and organizations are invited to attend and celebrate the 2026 honorees.
Event Details
Best of Plano 2026
Friday, November 13, 2026
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Marriott at Legacy Town Center
7121 Bishop Road, Plano, TX 75024
For registration and additional event information, visit:
https://members.planochamber.org/events/details/best-of-plano-2026-24434\
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About the Plano Chamber of Commerce: Established in 1946, the Plano Chamber represents over 800 businesses and community organizations in Plano and the surrounding area. Accredited as a 5-Star Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and awarded 2018 Chamber of the Year, the Plano Chamber of Commerce is committed to maximizing business development and economic growth of the community through advocacy, education, innovation, and collaboration.
