Nominations can come from:

Nominations are due Feb. 8, 2024 at 12pm. If the nominator does not know all the information about the company, the Chamber will follow-up with the nominee. We kindly ask that if the company/person you are nominating has been recognized by the Chamber at our Annual Award Events in the past three (3) years, that you graciously open this opportunity for new recognition. View past award winners.

Award Categories

Business Partner in Education

The Business Partner in Education award follows the mission of the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce as we work together to connect our businesses and local school districts. This award will recognize one business that demonstrates a commitment to our local school districts through classroom presentations, job shadow opportunities or youth apprenticeship programs.  

NOMINATION CRITERIA:

  • Must be a business, organization or public agency that has been in operation at least three (3) years.
  • Must be a member in good standing of the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce.
  • Nominee must show support to the Heart of the Valley area through its commitment to our local school districts and the development of current students and tomorrows business leaders.

Community Partner of the Year

The Community Partner of the Year Award recognizes a business, organization or public agency that has demonstrated a commitment to work with the chamber and the local communities to address and solve basic needs within our communities. 

NOMINATION CRITERIA:

  • Must be a business, organization or public agency that has been in operation at least three (3) years.
  • Must be a member in good standing of the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce.
  • Nominee must show support to the Heart of the Valley area through contribution and support of the community, while adhering to the non-profit, business or agencies mission. 

CORNERSTONE AWARD

The Cornerstone Award is not given out every year. Occasionally there are special businesses or people that display extraordinary achievements in business and in their community. They must exhibit high moral and ethical values that have set a standard of excellence in the marketplace. The many years of dedication and commitment this individual has shown to the community has significantly improved the image, character and business climate of the Heart of the Valley.

NOMINATION CRITERIA:

  • Must be a member or past/present employee of a member in good standing of the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce.
  • The nominee must have been in business in the Heart of the Valley area at least 10 years
  • Must be a past/present volunteer with the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce and/or other community organizations.

EMERGING BUSINESS of the YEAR

The Emerging Business of the Year recognizes a business member that is a relatively new, “Up and Coming” business. This award was designed to encourage entrepreneurs who have been in business less than five years but more than one year.  The Emerging Business Award recognizes that starting a business requires a unique blend of vision, energy, perseverance and talent. It is given to businesses that have demonstrated a creative business approach, proven success and positive impact on the local community.

NOMINATION CRITERIA:

  • Must be a business that has been in operation less than five (5) years but at least one (1) year.
  • Must be a member in good standing of the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce.
  • Must be a “for profit” business

INSPIRING BUSINESS PERSON of the YEAR

The Inspiring Business Person of the Year is given to a Chamber member who actively encourages and perpetuates business innovation, freely shares ideas and opinions regarding business issues and is a catalyst for the future of business. The dedication and commitment this individual has shown to the business community has significantly improved the image, character and business climate of the Heart of the Valley.

NOMINATION CRITERIA:

  • Must be a member or employee of a member in good standing of the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce.
  • Must be an active volunteer with the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce and/or other community organizations.

SMALL BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Small Business Achievement Award recognizes a business member that is a locally owned company doing business for at least 3 years. The small business should operate at a level that inspires others and exhibits vision that goes beyond “business as usual.” The award winner will demonstrate success and exceptional performance in business practices, customer service and community involvement.

NOMINATION CRITERIA:

  • Must be a business that has been in operation at least three (3) years.
  • Must be a member in good standing of the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce.
  • Must employee less than 50 employees.
  • Awards may be given in any or all the following categories: Retail, Hospitality, Service, Manufacturing, Technology/ Innovation

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

The Large Business Achievement Award recognizes a business member that has demonstrated excellence in business affairs, while adding to the quality of life in the Heart of the Valley.  This award can be given to an individual or business that, through creativity, perseverance and innovation have excelled in their efforts to create jobs, products and opportunities for their employees.  

NOMINATION CRITERIA:

*   Must be a business that has been in operation a minimum of three (3) years.

  • Must be a member in good standing of the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce.
  • Must be a “for profit” business with 50 or more employees
  • Company must demonstrate business success, community involvement, and innovation in business practices.

NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR

The Nonprofit of the Year Award recognizes a nonprofit organization serving the Heart of the Valley Community. The Nonprofit of the Year Award is new award that is given to a nonprofit organization in recognition for creativity and innovation in building a sustainable organization and finding creative solutions to community challenges.  

NOMINATION CRITERIA:

  • Must be a nonprofit organization that has been in operation at least three (3) years.
  • Must be a member in good standing of the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce.
  • Must provide service to the Heart of the Valley region

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award celebrates our visionary entrepreneurs who have turned an idea into a successful and growing business. He or she should be a compelling leader who isn’t isn’t afraid to take risks to drive their business forward. The recipient has demonstrated business growth through creativity, vision and resilience. 

NOMINATION CRITERIA:

*   Must be a business that has been in operation a minimum of two (2) years.

  • Must be a member in good standing of the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce.
  • Company must demonstrate business success, sustained growth, and innovation in business practices.

Photo Credit: Josh Russell Studios