2012 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS CATEGORIES & CRITERIA

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

• Must have been in business at least two years
• Must employ from one to 10 employees
• Must demonstrate a passion for their business
• Must demonstrate a consistent profit in the last two years or have overcome an obstacle for the business

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

• Must have been in business for less than two years
• Must have good growth potential
• Must have taken significant financial risk to develop the business
• Must demonstrate high quality products or services
• Must demonstrate excellent customer service

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

• Must have been in business a minimum of six months
• Must have owners below 35 years of age
• Must demonstrate good growth potential
• Must have taken significant risk to start the business

MARKETER OF THE YEAR AWARD

• Must have been in business at least two years
• Must have demonstrated a unique and measurably successful marketing campaign to advertise goods or services

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE OF THE YEAR

• Must have been in business at least two years
• Must demonstrate an exemplary level of professional service
• Must demonstrate a strong and consistent client base
• Ex: lawyers, doctors, dentists, Realtors, business consultants, hair dressers etc.

COMMUNITY SUPPORTER OF THE YEAR

• Must have been in business or an organization  for at least two years
• Must show exceptional support for community arts, cultural, sports and educational events
• Promote staff volunteerism in community organizations
• Must have provided financial contributions, sponsorships or volunteer hours to the community

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

• Must have been in business at least two years
• Must be nominated by an employee or group of employees
• Must demonstrate a fair wage and benefits policy
• Must promote family and workplace balance
• Must demonstrate open consistent communications with staff

STERLING SERVICE AWARD

• Must have been in business at least two years
• Must demonstrate a consistently outstanding level of customer service, product support and after sales service

GREEN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

• Environmental sustainability is incorporated into the business model and mission/ vision statements.
• Concrete examples demonstrate positive environmental results from the organization's products, services, initiatives and practices.
• The Business' sustainable approaches add value for the customer and the organization
• Industry Standards are met and exceeded.  Relevant industry certifications are achieved.
• Owners/ managers promote the value of sustainable business practices to staff, and recognize and reward green behaviors. Employees at all levels are involved.

EXPORTER OF THE YEAR - NEW!!!

• Must have been in business for more than 2 years and exporting for a minimum of 1 year
• Must demonstrate a successful export marketing strategy that promotes the business product/service
• Note: Tourism Based businesses can be nominated in this category

From all of the nominations received, only one business will be selected for the distinguished honour of being recognized as the BUSINESS OF THE YEAR.

This honour is considered to be the Best of the Best!!

The BUSINESS OF THE YEAR should have demonstrated a high level of success through:

• Customer service
• Growth and profitability
• Sales and marketing
• Strategic and tactical planning
• Employee satisfaction
• Community supporter

Deadline for Nominations: Friday January 12th, 2012
P (250)545-0771 F (250)545-3114 E This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 102-2901 32nd Street Vernon BC V1T 5M2