Mark your calendars for the 2011 Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce Achievement Awards set for Saturday January 28, 2012 at the Germania Hall in Pembroke. Deadline for Nomination submissions is 11:59 pm December 2nd, 2011.
About The Gala Awards
The Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of highlighting the outstanding achievements in our business community. In effort to publicly acknowledge the superior efforts of these businesses and individuals, the Chamber of Commerce created its annual Awards Gala Ceremony. Below you will find an outline of the selection and nomination process. We encourage nominations from all of our area citizens as well self-nominations.
The Selection Process
All award nominations are reviewed by an independent panel of judges compromised of representatives of our community at large. The judges are responsible for determining eligibility of each nomination in accordance with the criteria outlined, and selecting an award recipient in each category. Businesses and individuals can be nominated in more than one category. The three finalists in each category are notified and presented with a ticket to the Awards Gala. The winner in each category is announced at the Gala.
Judges must declare a conflict of interest and must remove themselves from any discussion and choosing of winners in the category where their conflict exists. Any member having a personal or financial interest shall reveal that interest, shall leave the meeting during the period of discussion, and shall refrain from any discussion of such matter with any member of the judges' panel.
Young Entrepreneur Award
This award is presented to a person 30 years of age or younger who has demonstrated initiative and innovation in business. (The business does not have to operate year round.) The recipient will have done so in any or all of the following areas:
- Has demonstrated innovation through the establishment of a new business, product or idea or has introduced new concepts or strategies within an existing organization helping it to be successful.
- Has developed a solid business plan that has led to individual and business success.
- Has sound business practices', including marketing and promotional strategies, product research, customer commitment, employee relations and community involvement.
- Has demonstrated a commitment to energy, water and non renewable resource conservation, including reduction, reuse and recycling of solid waste relative to their process or service.
Business of the Year - Small (1 – 9 employees)
This includes full time, part time and contract/associates and home based businesses.
This award is presented to a business with 9 employees or fewer that has demonstrated sound business practices, leadership, involvement in the Upper Ottawa Valley community and exceptional employee relations. The recipient will have done so in any or all of the following areas:
- Has lead a community based, socio-economic, political or cultural cause for the betterment of the community at large
- Is involved in the community (i.e. membership in charitable organizations, sponsorship of sports teams and or associations, representation on community based boards, contributes to worthy causes.
- Demonstrates responsibility in all business activities-fair play in a competitive environment.
- High standard of business activity.
- Provides benefits programs, profit share programs, formal employee appraisal systems, incentive programs, regular staff celebrations.
- Committed to safety in the workplace.
- Fosters diversity in the workplace with programs that maximize the potential of all people. Improves employees' skills and career development through education and training programs.
- Environmental awareness through the use of environmentally friendly products, recycling programs, adherence to environmental legislation, internal programs developed solely on environmentally friendly merits.
Business of the Year – Medium (10 – 29 employees)
This includes full time, part time and contract/associates and home based businesses.
This award is presented to a business with 10 - 29 employees that has demonstrated sound business practices, leadership, involvement in the Upper Ottawa Valley community and exceptional employee relations. The recipient will have done so in any or all of the following areas:
- Has lead a community based, socio-economic, political or cultural cause for the betterment of the community at large
- Is involved in the community (i.e. membership in charitable organizations, sponsorship of sports teams and or associations, representation on community based boards, contributes to worthy causes.
- Demonstrates responsibility in all business activities-fair play in a competitive environment.
- High standard of business activity.
- Provides benefits programs, profit share programs, formal employee appraisal systems, incentive programs, regular staff celebrations.
- Committed to safety in the workplace.
- Fosters diversity in the workplace with programs that maximize the potential of all people. Improves employees' skills and career development through education and training programs.
- Environmental awareness through the use of environmentally friendly products, recycling programs, adherence to environmental legislation, internal programs developed solely on environmentally friendly merits.
Business of the Year - Large (30 employees & over)
This award is presented to a business with more than 30 employees that has demonstrated sound business practices, leadership, productivity and quality, sound employee relations and a commitment to the broader community. The recipient will have done so in any or all of the following areas:
- Has lead a community based, socio-economic, political or cultural cause for the betterment of the community at large.
- Is involved in the community (i.e. membership in charitable organizations, sponsorship of sports teams and or associations, representation on community based boards, and contributes to worthy causes.)
- Demonstrates responsibility in all business activities-fair play in a competitive environment.
- High standard of business activity though sound employee relations through benefits programs, profit share programs, formal employee appraisal systems, incentive programs, regular employee celebrations.
- Committed to safety in the workplace (hours of operation with lost time accidents, safety performance record vs. legislative requirements and/or company goals for safety handling of dangerous products goods or service.)
- Environmental awareness through the use of environmentally friendly products, recycling programs, adherence to environmental legislation, internal programs developed solely on environmentally friendly merits.
- National/International market impact through the export of product or service outside Renfrew County, Ontario or Canada.
- Fosters diversity in the workplace with programs that maximize the potential of all people.
- Improves employees' skills and career development through education and training programs.
New Business of the Year
This award is presented to a business that, in its first three years of operation in the Upper Ottawa Valley, is demonstrating business excellence in any or all of the following areas:
- Growth and success within first three years of operation.
- Created new employment opportunities
- A commitment to the broader community.
- May have renovated or built a new facility.
- Sound employees relations and a commitment to customer service.
- Commitment to safety in the workplace.
- Has incorporated sound environmental policies and practices in the workplace
Citizen of the Year
This award is presented to an individual who has had a special impact on the Upper Ottawa Valley through volunteerism, advocacy, community building, or business leadership. The recipient will have shown a continuing active interest in the welfare of the Upper Ottawa Valley in any or all of the following areas:
- Promotion of business opportunities, including manufacturing, retail, agriculture, tourism, and technology.
- Beautification of the area.
- Improvement of the recreational opportunities.
- Preservation of nature areas and wildlife, historical structures and archival materials.
- Respect of cultural and socio-economic status of the citizens of the region.
- Advocate or community booster, fundraiser, volunteer.
- Pro-active when addressing environmental issues.
- Advocacy in areas of social justice, equality, human rights, etc.
Community Organization of the Year
This award is presented to a non-profit group or organization that, through its work or a unique or special project, has generated community pride and has had a significant impact in the Upper Ottawa Valley. The organization will have shown a continuing active interest in the welfare of the people of the Upper Ottawa Valley in any or all of the following areas:
- Through a network of individuals who support community causes such as fundraising campaigns, social services, sporting activities for youth, charities, and public dissemination of information.
- Promotes the region as a place to do business or visit.
- Improves the quality of life for the Upper Ottawa Valley residents.
- Preserves nature areas, wildlife, historical structures, or archival materials.
- Respects cultural and socio-economic status of citizens of the region.
- Advocacy in areas of social justice, equality, human rights, etc.
- Supports and promotes sound environmental practices such as conservation of our natural resources, including reduction, reuse and recycling.
Chamber Member of the Year
This award is presented to a member of the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce in good standing with the Chamber, who demonstrates a continuing active interest in the well being of the Chamber and has made a significant contribution to the overall success of the Chamber. (The recipient is chosen by the Chamber's President, Past President, and Executive Director.)
- Actively promotes and assists the Chamber with its recruitment of new members.
- Attends Chamber activities.
- Participates in Chamber committees and supports the organization and planning of Chamber events.
- Pursues new opportunities for the Chamber by demonstrating leadership and commitment to the well being of the Chamber.
Farm Enterprise of the Year
This award is presented to a farm/agricultural business that has demonstrated a commitment to preserving farming in the Upper Ottawa Valley through sound business practices and leadership within the farming sector. The recipient will have done so in any or all of the following areas:
- Innovative farming practices
- Advocacy for farming community
- Membership in agricultural organizations
- Land management (shelter belts, crop rotation, stewardship)
- Diversification/value added farming
- Appropriate animal husbandry practices
- Recognition by industry standards and evaluation practices of evidence of "best practices management"
- Evidence of encouraging sustainable agricultural practices
2011 Feature Award - Skilled Trades Employer
This award is presented to a business that has had a special impact on the Upper Ottawa Valley through promotion of careers in the Skilled Trades. The recipient would have done so in one or more of the following areas:
- History of training apprentices in one or more skilled trades
- Hires joureypersons with valid qualifications in their trade
- Supports apprentices by providing learning opportunities, tutoring or coaching (provide example)
- Participation in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (ie. Taken a coop student in an apprenticeship trade)
- Participation on the OYAP Advisory Committee
- Served as Advisory Committee Member for a trade at a community college (ie. automotive service or cook at Algonquin College in Pembroke)
- Participation in Options Skilled Trades Fair by sponsoring a booth or setting up/judging a skills competition
- Participation in the Passport to Prosperity program focused on skilled trades.
Note: The feature award theme changes annually.
Lifetime Business Achievement Award
This award is not subject to public nomination, however the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce does accept recommendations from the general public. The Award recipient is chosen by the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and can be presented posthumously. The primary criteria to be considered includes:
- Involved in business for a minimum of 25 years.
- A proven commitment to doing business in the Upper Ottawa Valley.
- Dedication to employees and the broader community.
- Demonstration of business leadership and sound business practices.
- Previous recognition by industry/colleagues/governing body related to business excellence
- Has shown a clear commitment to the Environment with an emphasis on conservation of our natural resources including the reduction, reuse and recycling of waste within their business.
Deadline for nominations submissions is November 30, 2011
Download 2011 Nomination From (WORD Format)
Complete On-line Nomination
