Washington, DC - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today announced the winners of its annual DREAM BIG Blue Ribbon Small Business Awards®, recognizing 100 companies for their success and their contributions to America’s economic growth and vitality.

Winners were selected from a record number of applicants from communities across the nation. They were judged in four key categories: strategic planning, employee development, customer service, and community involvement.

“Small businesses across America today face more economic and regulatory hurdles than ever before, but each of these outstanding companies is rising to the challenge,” said U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. “These Blue Ribbon Award winners have worked hard, taken risks, and achieved success, helping strengthen their communities and local economies.”

A complete list of this year’s Blue Ribbon Small Business Award® winners is available here.

On March 9, the Chamber will announce seven regional finalists from among this year’s Blue Ribbon Small Business Award® winners.

All of this year’s winners will be honored at the 12th annual America’s Small Business Summit, which will take place June 13-15 in Washington, D.C.  During the summit, one regional finalist will receive the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam’s Club®, and a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of the U.S. Chamber.

All Blue Ribbon Small Business Award® winners are also eligible for the Community Excellence Award, which recognizes one business that has found notable success in the eyes of its community. The winner of that award will be decided through online public voting to take place February 18 through March 4, 2016.

“Small businesses provide a powerful example of what’s possible in our free enterprise system. Day in and day out, these companies exemplify the strong American values of hard work, innovation, persistence, and entrepreneurship,” continued Donohue. “The Chamber is proud to recognize these tremendous small businesses for all of their achievements.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.