The prestigious awards were announced to an audience of 270 Chamber-member businesses and civic leaders. Business awards for 2022 were presented in the categories of Business of the Year, Employer of the Year, and Pillar of the Community, while individual awards were presented to 2022’s Emerging Leader, Business Person of the Year, Distinguished Citizen, and Greeter of the Year.
This year, members submitted 42 nominations for six award categories, each of high quality and articulated with careful attention to criteria. Each nomination was reviewed and scored by an independent panel of Chamber leaders and former award winners who met in December to select the recipients.
Business Person of the Year: Celeste Wong of Celeste Watch Company. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in their organization, profession, industry, and community, along with a personal commitment to Springfield. Celeste is an astute entrepreneur and small business owner here in Springfield. She has served as an inspiration and mentor for women and engineers nationwide. Celeste has been listed as one of “50 Engineers You Should Meet” by National Engineers Week, included in the National Academy of Engineering’s Gallery of Women Engineers, and named as one of the Nifty-Fifty individuals who have made a major impact on the field of engineering by the USA Science and Engineering Festival. Self-taught in watch design, dial art, and watchmaking, Celeste now has a following across the globe.
