PEABODY — The INCredible Awards are returning to Olio next month, bringing together Peabody’s business, nonprofit, and civic leaders for an evening that celebrates the people and organizations working behind the scenes to uplift the community.
Now in its third year, the INCredible Awards ceremony will take place Wednesday, May 14, at 6:30 p.m. at Olio, 43 Main St. The event, hosted by the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce, will feature cocktails, a grazing table, a mac and cheese bar, and music from DJ Kim Collins. The awards ceremony will be emceed by guest host Nicolas D’Onofrio.
The INCredible Awards honor businesses and individuals nominated by peers and community members in categories ranging from Business of the Year to Community Champion. According to Chamber President Deanne Healey, the event has become a cornerstone of the Chamber’s mission to highlight local excellence and shared success.
“The INCredible Awards embody the mission of the Peabody Area Chamber by celebrating those who are making a real difference — not just in business, but in building a stronger, more connected community,” Healey said. “It’s about lifting each other up and focusing on the good happening all around us.”
This year’s finalists include Brothers Restaurant and Mr. Handyman of Southern Essex County for Family Business of the Year, and Create & Escape DIY Workshop and DeSimone Tax Service for Business of the Year. The Non-Profit of the Year nominees are Centerboard and Family Promise, while the Minority Business Enterprise Award finalists are Elite Pest Control and Garage Print Services.
Healey said what excites her most about the event is the way it brings people together — not just to support familiar names, but to discover new stories of impact.
“What I’m most excited about is that people often come to support one or two individuals they know — but they leave feeling inspired and amazed by everything they didn’t know was happening in our community,” she said. “That’s the magic of the INCredible Awards. And of course, when the celebration wands get waving, it brings everyone into the fun and makes the whole room feel like part of something special.”
New this year is the addition of a live host to help guide the evening, the latest in a series of enhancements since the awards were first launched. A DJ was introduced last year to help raise the energy in the room, and Healey said the format continues to evolve as more people connect with the heart of the event.
“This is the third year of the INCredible Awards, and like any great event, it takes time to build an audience that really understands the heart of what we’re trying to accomplish,” she said. “It’s kind of like our own version of the Grammys — you never know what to expect, but you know it’s going to be fun, heartfelt, and full of surprises.”
Among the nominees this year is Bridgewell, a finalist for the Champion of Diversity Award. In a statement, President and CEO Chris Tuttle said the recognition highlights Bridgewell’s ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion and community leadership.
“Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee is made up of team members from all levels of the organization who are dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion within Bridgewell and the communities we serve,” Tuttle said. “We’re humbled to be recognized for this work and proud to stand alongside the other Champion of Diversity nominees.”
Courtney MacLoon, nominated for Young Professional of the Year, said she was surprised and honored to learn of her nomination. A lifelong Peabody resident, MacLoon began working at Peabody TV at 16 and now plays a key role in local media and event planning.
“I love being so involved in the community and helping highlight the good things happening here,” MacLoon said. “Whether it’s sharing local stories or helping plan the International Festival, I’m constantly inspired by the people who care as much about Peabody as I do.”
“Growing up in Peabody and starting at Peabody TV as a teenager, I’ve literally grown up doing this work,” she added. “To now be recognized in this way by the community that raised me — it just feels really full circle.”
Tickets to the INCredible Awards are $45, and are available at www.peabodychamber.com/incredible-awards.
