613 473 1616
Starting Jan 2022
The Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala will be the Chamber’s premier event and a must-attend night for business owners in the Region! The Gala is a celebration of business excellence, recognizing Chamber members who have made exceptional contributions through their involvement and leadership in the community. It is a time for the business community to come together and show their appreciation towards business and organizations that have helped shape Central Hastings.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Every year, the Business excellence Awards Gala will be attended by members, including the area’s most respected and recognized industry leaders. Organizations of every size are represented, from international companies to mom-and-pop shops.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for nomination for any of the award categories the nominee must be located within the District of Central Hastings.  You have the opportunity to submit nominations in two categories per business. Businesses nominated in multiple categories MUST only select 2 categories to put forth for submission. In any given category, the previous year’s recipient is ineligible but may apply again in future years.   All qualified candidates are encouraged to nominate themselves, or you may nominate any qualified individual, or business for any of the award categories. Forms are available online or by calling 613 473 1616.
Judging
All completed nominations are reviewed by the Judging Committee. Judging is based solely on the information provided within the application form.Judges will assign a score (0-5) for each section. The more thorough, comprehensive and/or informative the application, the higher the potential points score. The Chamber reserves the right to contact the nominee to verify facts.

AWARDS
Small Business of the Year Award (1-10 Employees)
Awarded to an outstanding business or organization with 1-10 full-time employees that, in the past year, has:  
•  Been in operation for a minimum of two consecutive years
•  Demonstrated innovative & proactive leadership within their business or industry 
•  Demonstrated measurable success as a business and/or as an employer 
•  Practiced good corporate citizenship 
•  Made exceptional contributions by promoting community betterment 
Business of the Year Award (11-50 Employees) 
Awarded to an outstanding business or organization with 11-50 full-time employees that, in the past year, has:  
•  Been in operation for a minimum of two consecutive years
•  Demonstrated innovative & proactive leadership within their business or industry 
•  Demonstrated measurable success as a business and/or as an employer 
•  Practiced good corporate citizenship 
•  Made exceptional contributions by promoting community betterment 
Community Builder Award
Awarded to an outstanding business or organization that, in the past year, has: 
•  Been in operation for a minimum of two consecutive years
•  Supported charitable or not-for-profit organizations on an on-going basis
•  Demonstrated a willingness to make the community better
•  Demonstrated a vision of a better community and has taken steps to make it happen
•  Practiced good corporate citizenship
•  Made exceptional contributions by promoting community betterment
New Business of the Year Award (<2 Years) 
Awarded to a business or start-up that has:
•  Been in operation for less than 2 years but more than 3 months, based on the nomination closing date
•  Demonstrated proactive and innovative leadership within their business or industry
•  Demonstrated measurable success, growth, or promise as a business and/or as an employer
•  Practiced good corporate citizenship and made exceptional contributions by promoting community betterment as an employer.
 Service Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism Award
Awarded to an outstanding business or organization that has demonstrated a commitment to providing top-quality customer service and guest experience in hospitality, tourism, and/or the entertainment industry. This business may have:
•  Been in operation for a minimum of two consecutive years
•  Exceeded customer expectations in the hospitality and service industry, and offers a superior-quality product or service
•  Been a key player in increasing awareness of the Central Hastings area
•  Demonstrated measurable success
•  Made exceptional contributions by promoting community betterment
 Innovation Award 
Awarded to a business or organization that has been in operation for a minimum of one year, and has created, invented or developed an innovative product or process, that has resulted in significant and measurable increase in revenue or job creation; productivity or quality; reduction in costs; and/or improvements in service, in the following areas:
•  New product(s) 
•  Technology , Management 
•  Manufacturing processes, Customer service  
Non-Profit/Charitable Award
Awarded to an outstanding non-profit/charitable organization that has achieved excellence through:
•  Demonstrated innovative and proactive leadership within the organization or non-profit sector
•  Implemented initiatives that have resulted in significant and measurable outcomes benefiting the overall services of the organization
•  Developed the skills, knowledge and performance of its organization and volunteers
•  Has been in operation for a minimum of two   consecutive years. 
Young Professional of the Year Award 
Awarded to an individual under the age of 25 who has tackled the challenges of entrepreneurship and/or has demonstrated professional growth and success in their respective field of work. This individual: 
•  Is under the age of 25 (as of October 30, 2021)
•  Is an individual who is part of a Member Business in good standing
•  Has demonstrated leadership within their workplace and/or within the community
•  Has contributed to the community through active participation in community initiatives
•  And/or has demonstrated entrepreneurial ability and innovation in any of the following areas:
o      New product(s) and/or customer service initiatives
Technology, Management and/or processes