Every year, the Business Excellence Awards Gala is attended by over 900 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. This year, fourteen awards will be presented throughout the course of the evening.
Awards (Not Open to Nominations)GROUP
Michael R. Follett Community Leader of the Year Award
Requirements
This award is presented to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated leadership in the development of the community by creating or facilitating significant solutions to meet community needs and inspiring others to achieve excellence.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Requirements
This award is presented to an outstanding individual who, in the past year, has demonstrated significant volunteer & event participation and has made exceptional contributions through their leadership, time, talent and energy to Chamber initiatives.
Awards (Open to Nominations)GROUP
New Business of the Year Award (<2 Years)
Requirements
Awarded to a business or startup that has:
• Been in operation for less than 2 years but more than 3 months, based on the nomination closing date (started operations sometime between November 17, 2022 – August 17, 2024)
• 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.
Business of the Year Award (1-10 Employees)
Requirements
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 (as of November 17, 2024)
• 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)
Requirements
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 (as of November 17, 2024)
• 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 (Over 50 Employees)
Requirements
Awarded to an outstanding business or organization with over 50 full-time employees that, in the past year, has:
• Been in operation for a minimum of two consecutive years (as of November 17, 2024)
• 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 of the Year Award
Requirements
Awarded to an outstanding business or organization that, in the past year, has:
• Been in operation for a minimum of two consecutive years (as of November 17, 2024)
• 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
Employee Engagement Award
Requirements
Awarded to a business or organization, who in the past year, has:
• Been in operation for a minimum of two consecutive years (as of November 17, 2024)
• A holistic view of the employee experience, and its impact on employee engagement
• Prioritized and embraced DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts, creating an environment where employees from different backgrounds feel valued and appreciated
• Provided training to improve the skills, knowledge, safety and/or performance of their workforce
• Reduced employment barriers and/or assists employees who have limitations or constraints
• Increased productivity through innovative and creative programs or initiatives for their employees
Environment & Sustainability Award
Requirements
Awarded to a business or organization that has:
• Been in operation for a minimum of two consecutive years (as of November 17, 2024)
• Prioritizes environmental and/or sustainable practices in their business operations
• Made an outstanding commitment to sustainable development
• Self-initiated environmental actions and programs beyond legislative requirements
• Found energy or waste efficiencies
• Provided environmental stewardship, education, or innovation in the past year
Health & Wellness in the Workplace Award
Requirements
Awarded to a business or organization that has achieved health and wellness in the workplace, mindful of the workplace as a determinant of health. The award recognizes employers that provide strategies, initiatives, policies and/or programs that promote, support, and enhance a healthy workplace and the efforts of workers to remain healthy at work and beyond:
• Been in operation for a minimum of two consecutive years (as of November 17, 2024)
• Has a holistic view of the employee experience, and its impact on employee wellbeing
• Prioritizes and embraces DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts, creating an environment where employees from different backgrounds feel valued and appreciated
• Demonstrate leadership and innovation in workplace health and wellbeing with measures supporting both physical and mental health
• Promote awareness and provide resources for a healthy lifestyle
• Protect employees through a safe and inclusive physical environment
Innovation Award
Requirements
Awarded to a business or organization that has been in operation for a minimum of two years, 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 any of the following areas:
• New product(s)
• Technology
• Management
• Processes
• Customer Service
• Sales/Fundraising/Marketing
Non-Profit/Charitable Award
Requirements
Awarded to an outstanding non-profit/charitable organization that has achieved excellence through:
• Has been in operation for a minimum of two consecutive years (as of November 17, 2024)
• 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
Service Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism Award
Requirements
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 has:
• Been in operation for a minimum of two consecutive years (as of November 17, 2024)
• 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 Greater KW area
• Demonstrated measurable success
• Made exceptional contributions by promoting community betterment
Young Professional of the Year Award
Requirements
Awarded to an individual under the age of 40 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 40 (as of November 17, 2024)
• 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: New product(s) and/or customer service initiatives, Technology, Management and/or processes.
