Annual Awards: Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria

All nominees must be Clinton-Sampson Chamber members in good standing for a minimum of two years, with the exception of the New Business of the Year. Awards may be presented on a case-by-case basis.

Business Person of the Year Award

• Any individual who owns and operates or bears principal responsibility for operating a business may be nominated. Partners who, jointly own and operate a business may be nominated as a “team,’” so long as the number of individuals in the team nomination does not exceed four.
• A business professional that has demonstrated exceptional success in the ownership or management of a business through leadership, exemplary customer service, and community engagement.
• Over the year, this individual has accomplished outstanding achievements as well as a broad and substantial impact on our community.
• Voluntary efforts beyond business and professional responsibility to assist the community, promote economic stability and enhance growth through his/her support of other businesses.

Business Excellence Award

• Staying power: a substantiated history as an established business.
• Indication of continued growth as it relates to sales volume and employee base.
• Response to adversity: ability to face and solve economic problems.
• Contributions by nominee to aid community-oriented projects, evidence of the use of personal time and resources.

Economic Impact Award

• Increased employment opportunities created by the nominee’s business.
• Development and/or utilization of innovative or creative business methods.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial potential necessary for long-term business success and economic growth.

Innovation Award

• A business that has made significant growth through innovative efforts, including the utilization of new technologies, creation of new or existing processes, products or services that enhance their business and/or customer experience, etc..
• This award will go to a business that has leveraged an advancement of modern business practices to grow through continuous improvement, creativity, and innovation.

New Business of the Year

• A business which has been in operation for no more than 5 years.
• The business has demonstrated outstanding success, innovation, and entrepreneurialism in this new venture.

Outstanding Support Staff of the Year

• Recognizes support staff that is integral to a business and contributing to their success.
• Staff should be currently employed or just recently retired.