For questions about nominations or special reports, contact Co-Managing Editor Amber Hair at [email protected]
For advertising and sponsorship opportunities, contact Publisher Linda le Brock at [email protected]
Most Influential
Our roundup of the best and brightest leaders in the Tri-County region.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: January 9, 2026
- PUBLICATION DATE: February 13, 2026
Central Coast Innovation Awards
Our report of entrepreneurs in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties who are pushing the envelope by creating new products, services and solutions. This report is presented alongside the Startup Village, which recognizes bold and innovative ideas from college students in the region.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: January 23, 2026
- PUBLICATION DATE: February 27, 2026
Who’s Who in Commercial Real Estate & Construction
Our report of the top leaders in the Tri-County’s construction, general contractor and associated industries.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: February 13, 2026
- PUBLICATION DATE: March 13, 2026
Top Women in Business
Our report on the region’s top female leaders, including entrepreneurs, non-profit heads and those involved in public service.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: February 27, 2026
- PUBLICATION DATE: March 27, 2026
Champions in Education
Our annual report recognizing teachers, administrators, innovators and philanthropists from across the region as we recognize the role that education plays in creating the workforce of the future. Please send any nominations to Co-Managing Editor Jorge Mercado at [email protected].
Business Hall of Fame/Legacy
Our annual report celebrating significant business leaders in the community and the businesses that have reached incredible milestones.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: March 20, 2026
- PUBLICATION DATE: April 24, 2026
Central Coast Best Places to Work
Our report on the best places to work along the Central Coast as determined by surveys and employee feedback.
- SURVEY CLOSES: April 17, 2026
- PUBLICATION DATE: May 22, 2026
Who’s Who in Banking & Finance
Our report on the top leaders in banks, credit unions and other financial institutions throughout the Tri-County region.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: May 8, 2026
- PUBLICATION DATE: June 12, 2026
Latino Business Awards
Our report on the top Latino business owners in the Tri-County region.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: May 22, 2026
- PUBLICATION DATE: June 26, 2026
Who’s Who in Agriculture & Viticulture
Our annual report profiles leaders in farming, ranching, food processing, cannabis and winemaking.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: June 5, 2026
- PUBLICATION DATE: July 10, 2026
Spirit of Small Business
The Business Times celebrates small businesses with profiles of innovative companies and entrepreneurs.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: June 26, 2026
- PUBLICATION DATE: July 31, 2026
Champions in Health Care
We profile the region’s top practitioners, researchers, administrators and front-line workers.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: July 11, 2026
- PUBLICATION DATE: August 14, 2026
40 Under Forty
Our popular special report profiles 40 up-and-coming business leaders under 40 years of age.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: July 24, 2026
- PUBLICATION DATE: August 28, 2026
Giving Guide
Our annual advertorial publication provides in-depth information on the region’s dynamic non-profit sector.
- PUBLICATION DATE: September 18, 2026
Fastest-Growing Companies
This special report lists the region’s fastest-growing companies with editor’s choice profiles of compelling stories.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: August 21, 2026
- PUBLICATION DATE: September 25, 2026
Who’s Who in Professional Services
We recognize the leading attorneys and certified public accountants in private practice in the region.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: September 19, 2025
- PUBLICATION DATE: October 24, 2025
Who's Who in Health Care & Insurance Services
Our Who’s Who report profiles dozens of decision-makers in the health care and insurance.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: October 3, 2025
- PUBLICATION DATE: November 5, 2025
Fall Economic Forecast and 2025 Tax & Financial Planning Guide
We present articles and expert panels on the investment and economic outlook for the new year and top tax trends.
- PUBLICATION DATE: November 21, 2025
Who’s Who in Nonprofits & Foundations
This special report profiles leaders in fundraising, foundations, community service and arts organizations.
- NOMINATIONS CLOSE: November 14, 2025
- PUBLICATION DATE: December 19, 2025
2026 Book of Lists
Our final special report of the year compiles the Top 25 lists we’ve published during the year and adds new lists to create the most comprehensive directory of businesses in the tri-county region.
- PUBLICATION DATE: December 26, 2025