Dutch Chamber Seeks Nominees for First Awards Named for Late Exec 

Atlanta’s Dutch chamber is set to kick off the new year with a networking night that will recognize top business leaders connecting the Southeast U.S. with the Netherlands. 

The Netherlands-American Chamber of Commerce Southeast is seeking nominees for its inaugural Jan-Willem Smeulers awards, a nod to the late former chamber president and KLM executive. 

Mr. Smeulers came to Atlanta in 2009 and was instrumental in implementing the Air France-KLM airline joint venture with Delta Air Lines, which has led to abundant daily flights between Atlanta and Amsterdam and, by extension, greater access for Atlanta business travelers to locales around the world. He died last June, about a year after he was knighted by the Dutch king for his service to the country.

“Jan-Willem brought a sense of unity and purpose to our organization, leaving a lasting legacy of collaboration and community spirit,” chamber leaders wrote in a joint statement just after his passing. “His work as Chairman of the Netherlands American Business Council further demonstrated his passion for connecting people and promoting Dutch interests across the United States. His knighthood, receiving the Order of Orange-Nassau from King Willem-Alexander, was a well-deserved recognition of his remarkable service and dedication.”

Embodying the spirit of Mr. Smeulers and the mission of the chamber, the awards will honor those who have demonstrated leadership and business excellence, achieved community or market impact in the arenas of sustainability and diversity, or showcased innovation in product, service, approach or cross-cultural collaboration.

Nominate Dutch business leaders here, and learn more about how to kick off 2026 with the Dutch chamber’s New Year’s Toast on Jan. 14 here.