2018 Business Excellence Award Categories

Employer of the Year Award:

Must be in business for a minimum of 5-years and a minimum of 20 employees.  Recognizes outstanding achievement as an Employer in some or all of the following:  Employee Relations and Training, Workplace Culture & Values, Community Involvement, Environmental Awareness and Innovative Encourgment for Employees.

New Business of the Year Award:

Must be in business for a minimum of 1 year and less than 5 years.  Recognizes outstanding achievement as a new business in some or all of the following: Research & Development, Company Growth, Products & Services, Market Development, Sales & Marketing, Community Service. 

Small Business of the Year Award:

Must be in business for at least 3 years.  Recognizes outstanding achievement in some or all of the following: Research & Development, Company Growth, Products & Services, Market Development, Sales & Marketing, Community Service. 

Large Business of the Year Award:

Must be in business for at least 3 years.  Recognizes outstanding achievement in some or all of the following: Research & Development, Company Growth, Products & Services, Market Development, Sales & Marketing, Community Service.

Innovation of the Year Award:

Must be in business for at least 3 years.  Recognizes the successful introduction of an idea, process or initiative that has been proven to make a genuine difference or positive impact on an organization or the community.  Not for Profits are eligible.

Entrepreneur of the Year Award: 

Must be in business for at least 3 years.  Entrepreneur Award recipients from the last three years are not eligible.  However, their business is eligible for nominations in their categories.  Recognizes an INDIVIDUAL who demonstrates innovations in some or all of the following: Research & Development, Company Growth, Products & Services, Creative Business Initiatives, Sales & Marketing, Community Service.

Not for Profit of the Year Award: 

Must have been in operation for at least 3 years.  Recognizes a registered Not for Profit organization which has exceptional community service and leadership: Broadened Education of their Service, Innovative Services, Community Involvement, Promotes Volunteerism, Positive Contribution to Society, Social & Community Advancements.

Professional Services Business of the Year Award:

Must have been in business for at least 3 years.  This business must exemplify professsionalism and integrity.  This category includes, but is not limited to, law, medical, dental, accounting, financial, insurance, real estate and other professional service providers.  Recognized for outstanding achievements in some or all of the following: Company Growth, Customer Service, Market Development, Sales & Marketing, Community Service. 

Manufacturer of the Year Award: 

Must be in business for at least 3 years.  Recognized for outstanding achievement in some or all of the following: Research and Development, Company Growth, Product & Services, Market Development, Sales & Marketing, Company Service.

Young Professional of the Year Award:

Nominee must be born on or after January 1, 1977 with one (1) or more years of professional experience in their current career.  An employee may be nominated.    Recognizes excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession in some or all of the following:  Company Growth, Sales & Marketing, Customer Service, Community Service and a role model for other young people personally & professionally.