The Chamber’s awards are given annually at the Recognition Reception. The awardees are limited exclusively to Chamber members who are recognized by their peers as making exemplary contributions to the community by:

            1.          Contributing to the betterment of the region through community

                        service, leadership roles, and achievements that benefit the people

                        and the progress of our county.

            2.         Demonstrating an exemplary model in professional and personal practice.

Awardees provide a role model for other business professionals and community leaders; hold a greater vision for self and for company ethic that models progress; and raise the standard for professionals locally.

Criteria for the Business of the Year are based on the following:

For the business best demonstrating positive economic impact in our community while including significant contributions to the community’s growth and well-being. This business would demonstrate an exceptional level of representing their industry and the local business community as a whole. Benchmarks may be exemplary staying power, sales growth, employee growth, production expansion, significant improvement in financial position, etc.

Criteria for the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award are based on the following:      

For the individual, founder, or team who has demonstrated the best of community-wide benefits of the entrepreneurial spirit. Benchmarks may be a significant product, service or technology innovation, successfully taking a division in a totally new direction, starting a new product/service line, innovative ways to overcome significant challenges, etc.

Criteria for the Community Service Award are based on the following:

For the individual or organization best demonstrating Chamber members’ involvement in community service. Benchmarks may be demonstrations of regularly going above and beyond their core mission, in order to serve our broader community.              

Criteria for the Nonprofit of the Year Award are based on the following:

For the organization that has demonstrated community service, as indicated in their defined mission and vision. Benchmarks may include meeting or exceeding fundraising goals to exceed their intended investment in the community, or creating and successfully implementing a program or service that addresses a community need.

NOMINATIONS FOR OUTSTANDING BUSINESS RECOGNITION AWARDS

Nominations are open to the community.

The award winners will be chosen by a committee consisting of the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce 1^st Vice Chair, two Past Chairpersons, a selection from the general membership, and the honorees from the previous years’ awards.

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