2026 Young Professional of the Year: Mal's Bakehouse.
Mallory Gibbons and family.
The 82nd Carmi Chamber of Commerce continued its annual tradition of presenting three well-deserved awards to community individuals and businesses at the Chamber dinner on Monday night.
The night began with Chamber Executive Director Megan Newman highlighting Carmi’s business growth, including 11 new Chamber businesses during the year, while existing businesses expanded, including four hospitals now operating medical clinics in Carmi.
CEO Facilitator Tracy Orr welcomed her 16 CEO students; Johana Zieren was absent, and all introduced themselves and their plans for the future. With some wanting to start their own business, the Carmi Chamber dinner is a great start to turning a dream into a reality.
Emma Bachman, incoming Vice President for the Chamber, presented the Young Professional Award to Mallory Gibbons of Mal’s Bakehouse. Bachman shared a quote from a nomination for Gibbons,
“She chooses to encourage other businesses. She goes above and beyond for the people of the community. Whether it’s by making treats for ribbon cuttings or giving other small businesses a place to sell their items in her store, you can see the effort put not only into her own business, but in helping those around her as well.”