Vista Wants Names: Who Actually Deserves Business of the Year?

Everybody has one.

That local business you recommend whenever somebody asks.

The owner who seems to be at every community event.

The nonprofit quietly doing the work while everyone else is busy posting about doing the work.

Well, Vista, now you get to name names.

The Vista Chamber of Commerce has opened nominations for its 2026 Heroes of Vista business awards, with five categories up for grabs:

• Businessperson of the Year

• Small Business of the Year

• Large Business of the Year

• New Business of the Year

• Non-Profit of the Year

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And here's the part that should make a few business owners sit up a little straighter:

Self-nominations are encouraged.

Yes, really.

Apparently this is one of those rare occasions when saying, "You know what? We're pretty darn good at what we do," is not only acceptable—it's invited.

This Isn't a New Trophy on the Shelf

Heroes of Vista has some history behind it.

The Chamber says the program has been recognizing local heroes in business, community and education for the past 14 years, and its list of previous winners reads a bit like a who's-who of Vista business history.

Last year's business honorees included Lauren Fehlhaber of The Film Hub as Businessperson of the Year, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream as Small Business of the Year, MAAC as Large Business of the Year, Galvanized Strategies as New Business of the Year and Heavy Breathing Foundation as Non-Profit of the Year.

Go farther back and you'll find plenty of familiar Vista names: Dr. Bronner's, Watkins Wellness, Bear Roots Brewing, Alchemy Print, The Film Hub, Cat & Craft Cafe and Misadventure & Co. have all appeared among the winners over the years.

In other words, this isn't exactly a participation-ribbon situation.

So Who Deserves It in 2026?

That's where you come in.

Maybe it's the restaurant owner who remembers everyone's name.

Maybe it's the company that's been employing Vista families for decades.

Maybe it's a brand-new business that took the terrifying leap of opening its doors and somehow made it look easy.

Or maybe there's a nonprofit doing incredible work that most of Vista doesn't know nearly enough about.

Those are exactly the names worth putting forward.

And if you're sitting there thinking, "Actually, my business had a pretty incredible year"—remember that self-nominations are specifically encouraged.

No false modesty required.

But Don't Put It Off Until "Later"

Nominations are open until Friday, August 21 at 5 p.m.

The winners are scheduled to be announced at the Heroes of Vista Gala on November 6.

Nominations can be submitted through the Vista Chamber of Commerce's Heroes of Vista page.

So here's our question:

Who would you nominate for a 2026 Heroes of Vista business award—and why?

Questions About the Vista Business Awards

What are the 2026 Heroes of Vista business award categories?
Businessperson of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, New Business of the Year and Non-Profit of the Year.

Can a business nominate itself?
Yes. According to the Vista Chamber of Commerce, self-nominations are encouraged.

When do nominations close?
The Chamber's announcement says nominations close Friday, August 21 at 5 p.m.

When will the winners be announced?
The Chamber says winners will be announced at the Heroes of Vista Gala on November 6.

Where can nominations be submitted?
Through the Vista Chamber of Commerce's Heroes of Vista page.