The Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce will bring together business leaders, professionals, nonprofit organizations and community supporters on Thursday, November 5, 2026, for its 2026 Annual Awards Reception.
The event begins at 6:00 PM at Argos Farm on Lacey Road in Forked River and will recognize six honorees whose work reflects leadership, business achievement, professional growth and service to the greater Toms River community.
For local residents and members of the business community, the Annual Awards Reception is more than an evening out. It is an opportunity to recognize the people and organizations helping shape Ocean County through their businesses, careers, partnerships and community involvement.
Tickets are now available, and the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce is also offering several sponsorship opportunities for businesses and organizations that would like to support the event.
Celebrating Leadership and Achievement in the Greater Toms River Community
A local award carries particular meaning when it comes from an organization that works directly with the businesses and professionals it recognizes.
The Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce serves as a connection point for businesses, nonprofit organizations, professionals and community leaders throughout the region. Through networking, business development, advocacy, events and partnerships, the Chamber provides opportunities for local organizations to build relationships and become more involved in the community.
Its Annual Awards Reception gives the Chamber an opportunity to recognize outstanding achievement across several areas rather than focusing solely on traditional business success.
The 2026 awards include recognition for an individual citizen, an established business, a nonprofit organization, a business partner, an emerging professional and a groundbreaking business. Together, the categories highlight the many different ways people and organizations contribute to a thriving local economy and community.
Meet the 2026 Greater Toms River Chamber Award Honorees
Philip Brilliant — Citizen of the Year
Philip Brilliant, owner of Brilliant Environmental Services, has been selected as the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce 2026 Citizen of the Year.
The Citizen of the Year award places the focus on individual leadership and contribution to the community. It recognizes the importance of people who invest their time, expertise and energy into the region and help strengthen the connections between local businesses, organizations and residents.
Philip Brilliant will be formally recognized during the November 5 reception alongside this year’s business and nonprofit honorees.
Celebration Creations Balloon Decorations — Business of the Year
Celebration Creations Balloon Decorations has been named the 2026 Business of the Year.
Local businesses play an important role far beyond the products and services they provide. They create jobs, support other local organizations, participate in community events and help give the region its distinctive character.
The Business of the Year honor recognizes Celebration Creations as part of that local business community and celebrates the company’s accomplishments during the Chamber’s annual reception.
InVision Eye Care Specialists — Business Partner of the Year
InVision Eye Care Specialists will receive the 2026 Business Partner of the Year award.
Strong business communities depend on relationships. Companies grow through referrals, collaboration, professional partnerships and active participation in local organizations.
The Business Partner of the Year recognition highlights the value of organizations that contribute to those relationships and help strengthen the broader business community.
Ocean Partnership for Children — Nonprofit of the Year
Ocean Partnership for Children has been selected as the Chamber’s 2026 Nonprofit of the Year.
Nonprofit organizations are an essential part of Ocean County. They address community needs that extend well beyond the business world and often rely on partnerships with local companies, professionals, volunteers and donors to carry out their missions.
By including a dedicated Nonprofit of the Year category, the Greater Toms River Chamber recognizes that a healthy local community depends on a strong nonprofit sector working alongside its businesses and civic organizations.
Brightside Branding — Groundbreaking Business of the Year
Brightside Branding has been named the 2026 Groundbreaking Business of the Year.
This award provides an opportunity to recognize businesses that are making their mark through new ideas, growth and a distinctive approach to serving their clients and community.
Entrepreneurship continues to play an important role in the Ocean County economy, and recognizing emerging and innovative businesses helps call attention to the people building the next generation of local companies.
Lynzie Burmeister — Emerging Professional of the Year
Lynzie Burmeister, business development specialist from RMS Title and Appraisal, will be honored as the 2026 Emerging Professional of the Year.
The future of the local business community depends on professionals who are developing their careers, becoming involved and stepping into leadership roles.
This award recognizes that professional achievement is not limited to established executives or longtime business owners. Emerging professionals bring new perspectives, skills and energy to local organizations and help shape what the greater Toms River business community will look like in the years ahead.
An Evening to Celebrate the People Behind Local Business
The Annual Awards Reception gives Chamber members and community supporters an opportunity to come together outside of the regular workday and recognize the people behind the businesses and organizations they see throughout the year.
The event will take place in the fall setting of Argos Farm in Forked River and will include dinner and an open bar. The requested attire is business cocktail attire.
Individual tickets are $160, and a table of eight is available for $1,200.
Guests should register by October 23, 2026.
For Chamber members, colleagues, clients and friends of this year’s honorees, the reception is also an opportunity to show support in person as each recipient is recognized for his or her accomplishments.
Sponsorship Opportunities Give Local Businesses a Role in the Celebration
Businesses that would like greater visibility during the Annual Awards Reception can participate as event sponsors.
Sponsorship levels range from $500 Supporting Sponsorships to the exclusive $5,000 Event Sponsorship, with additional Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze opportunities available.
Depending on the sponsorship level, benefits may include event signage, recognition in promotional materials, verbal acknowledgment during the reception, inclusion in the event program, tickets and advertising in the event’s Virtual Ad Journal.
The Event Sponsor also receives opportunities to speak at the reception, distribute branded promotional materials and have a vendor table at the event.
For companies that regularly work with other businesses and professionals throughout Ocean County, sponsorship can provide meaningful local visibility while supporting an event dedicated to recognizing achievement within the same community.
Businesses interested in sponsorship should contact GTRCC before October 16, 2026.
Support the Businesses, Professionals and Organizations Making a Difference Locally
At Shop Jersey Shore, we spend a great deal of time introducing our audience to the people behind local businesses and organizations. Awards such as these provide another way for the community to recognize the work happening every day throughout Ocean County.
The 2026 Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce honorees represent different parts of that community: business ownership, professional achievement, nonprofit service, collaboration and individual leadership.
Their recognition also helps illustrate why local chambers remain valuable. A thriving business community is built through more than transactions. It grows through relationships, participation, mentorship, partnerships, volunteerism and people who choose to invest in the place where they live and work.
The Annual Awards Reception provides an evening specifically dedicated to celebrating those contributions.
Attend the 2026 Greater Toms River Chamber Annual Awards Reception
The Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce 2026 Annual Awards Reception will be held:
Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Argos Farm
Lacey Road, Forked River, New Jersey
Tickets: $160 per person
Table of 8: $1,200
Includes: Dinner and open bar
Attire: Business cocktail attire
Ticket RSVP Deadline: October 23, 2026
Join the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce and fellow members of the Jersey Shore business community for an evening celebrating Philip Brilliant, Celebration Creations Balloon Decorations, InVision Eye Care Specialists, Ocean Partnership for Children, Brightside Branding and Lynzie Burmeister — the Chamber’s 2026 award recipients.
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