For questions about nominations or special reports, contact Executive Editor Jorge Mercado at [email protected]
For advertising and sponsorship opportunities, contact Director of Marketing Jennifer Carusa at [email protected]
Dealmakers of the Year & Top Real Estate Deals
A look at the movers and shakers in the region’s top deals for 2026. Categories include tech, healthcare, philanthropy, corporate finance, real estate and other fields. Send information about your favorite dealmakers to Executive Editor Jorge Mercado at [email protected]. To submit real estate deals, send details to [email protected].
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: December 28, 2026
- PUBLICATION DATE: January 29, 2027
Most Influential
Our news staff’s annual picks for the Top 50 leaders and influencers in the region.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: January 8, 2027
- PUBLICATION DATE: February 12, 2027
Central Coast Innovation Awards
Honors the region’s leaders in innovation, disruptive technology and social ventures. Our awards reception includes a Startup Village from across the region. CCIA was founded in 2014.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: January 22, 2027
- PUBLICATION DATE: February 26, 2027
Who’s Who in Commercial Real Estate & Construction
Profiles leaders in commercial real estate, construction and related fields.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: February 12, 2027
- PUBLICATION DATE: March 12, 2027
Top 50 Women in Business
Honors 50 of the region’s top women leaders in finance, technology, professional services, nonprofits and other fields.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: February 19, 2027
- PUBLICATION DATE: March 26, 2027
Champions in Education: The Dean’s List
Our report on emerging trends in higher education honors a “Dean’s List” of outstanding faculty, department heads and scholar/administrators holding the title of “dean.” To submit a nomination, email Executive Editor Jorge Mercado at [email protected]
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: March 5, 2027
- PUBLICATION DATE: April 9, 2027
Business Hall of Fame/Legacy
Our signature special report honors our 2027 Business Hall of Fame honoree and we seek nominations from organizations celebrating milestones.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: March 19, 2027
- PUBLICATION DATE: April 23, 2027
Central Coast Best Places to Work
Our annual ranking of the top employers in the region, based on responses from our survey from employees.
- SURVEY CLOSES: April 12, 2027
- PUBLICATION DATE: May 21, 2027
Who’s Who in Banking & Finance
Highlights senior executives in one of the region’s most dynamic industries. Includes banks, credit unions and other financial institutions in the Tri-Counties.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: May 7, 2027
- PUBLICATION DATE: June 11, 2027
Latino Business Awards
Recognizes Hispanic leaders in business, education, professional services and nonprofits. We also profile our Business Times scholarship winner.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: May 21, 2027
- PUBLICATION DATE: June 25, 2027
Who’s Who in Agribusiness
Includes profiles of leaders in farming, ranching, food processing, cannabis and wine making.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: June 11, 2027
- PUBLICATION DATE: July 9, 2027
Spirit of Small Business
Since 2003, we have partnered with the U. S. Small Business Administration and others to celebrate successful small businesses and advocates.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: June 20, 2027
- PUBLICATION DATE: July 23, 2027
Champions in Healthcare
In a time of unprecedented challenges in health care we profile the regions top practitioners, researchers, administrators, volunteers and front-line workers.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: July 16, 2027
- PUBLICATION DATE: August 13, 2027
40 Under 40
This is the original 40 Under 40 in the Tri-Counties. Since 2001 we have recognized and profiled 40 up-and-coming leaders under 40 years old.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: July 25, 2027
- PUBLICATION DATE: August 27, 2027
Giving Guide
In-depth information on the region’s dynamic nonprofit sector. For more information about advertising or sponsorship for this advertorial report, contact Marketing Director Jennifer Carusa at [email protected].
- PUBLICATION DATE: September 17, 2027
C-Suite Awards/50 Fastest-Growing Companies
Our expanded c-suite awards combined with our annual list of the Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies based in the region.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: August 20, 2027
- PUBLICATION DATE: September 24, 2027
Who’s Who in Professional Services
Profiles of the leading attorneys and CPAs based in the region.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: September 18, 2026
- PUBLICATION DATE: October 23, 2026
Who’s Who in Health Care & Insurance
Profiles of dozens of top decision makers in health care and insurance.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: October 2, 2026
- PUBLICATION DATE: November 6, 2025
Who’s Who in Philanthropy
Profiles leaders in fundraising, foundations, community service and arts, culture and recreation organizations from across the region.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: November 13, 2026
- PUBLICATION DATE: December 11, 2026
2027 Book of Lists
Our final special report compiles Top 25 lists from throughout the year plus new lists to create the ultimate B-to-B directory for the Tri-Counties.
- PUBLICATION DATE: December 25, 2026