Awards of Excellence Nomination Survey

Nomination Survey
The Awards of Excellence is an annual celebration recognizing those who go above and beyond in our community. Chamber businesses are nominated by their peers for New Business of the Year, Healthy Workplace, Entrepreneur of the Year, Community Impact and Business of the Year.

Please review the award criteria and nominate local businesses you feel should be recognized. Our award selection panel will choose the winner of each award category.
Deadline: Submit your nominations by April 1, 2025

New Business of the Year

Award Criteria: • The business is new and has been in existence for 1 year or less. •The business is filling a need, passion, or innovation •The business is involved and engaged with the community •The business has demonstrated achievements
Name of New Business:
Nominated by: (Optional)
Comments
Please provide feedback in comments AND/OR check all that apply to the nominated new business:

Exemplified involvement within the communityViewed as a valued partner within the community, fills a much needed service or facet of the Bemidji AreaCreates a culture of employee involvement with the communityExhibits exemplary customer serviceFosters team environment

Healthy Workplace of the Year

Award Criteria: • Member must be active with the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce •Demonstrate employee wellness initiatives and commitment to overall physical and mental health of employees •Encourage employee volunteerism within the Bemidji Area Community •Invest in professional development and employee skill building•Encourage safe practices for employees and protect safety of their customers •Promote shared mission, vision, and values with employees
Name of Healthy Workplace:
Nominated by: (Optional)
Comments
Please provide feedback in comments AND/OR check all that apply to the nominated healthy workplace:

Provides opportunities for health education programs and wellness initiativesPrioritizes mental health and stress management in the workplaceDemonstrates a commitment to sustainability practicesProvides health programs, screenings, vaccine clinics, and/or health club membershipsParticipates in volunteerism, active events, local run or walk eventsOffers healthy menu / food optionsPractices healthy communication, inclusion and team building

Entrepreneur of the Year

Award Criteria: • Individual must be active with the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce •Demonstrated achievements over the past year •Must show commitment, vision, and calculated risk-taking •The person pioneers a new approach or technology •The person is living their values and has earned high respect •The person creates potential influence
First and Last Name of Entrepreneur:
Nominated by: (Optional)
Comments
Please provide feedback in comments AND/OR check all that apply to the nominated entrepreneur:

Purchased or created a business with accelerated growthProvides leadership to other entrepreneurs within the communityDemonstrated creativity in implementing business modelsDemonstrates consistency in execution of ideasExhibits innovative ideasFosters a dynamic team environmentSeizes new opportunities to fulfill a need within the community

Community Impact

Award Criteria: Open to an individual or organization that is a member or active with the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce •Must be an active 501c3 (or 501c6) organization operating in the Bemidji area •Made a significant contribution to the Bemidji area community and greater region through exemplary leadership, community involvement, actions, and service •Role model for compassion, and service to making our community and greater region a better place •Must show organizational excellence and responsibility to stakeholders
Name of Impactful Business, Organization, or Individual:
Nominated by: (Optional)
Comments
Please provide feedback in comments AND/OR check all that apply to the nominated impactful business, organization, and/or individual:

Demonstrates sound management and leadership principlesDemonstrates a clear commitment to the communityProvides exemplary serviceProvides a leadership role in our communityHas gone 'above and beyond the call of duty'Provides development and empowerment of partners and employeesService and action have made a lasting or meaningful contribution to the Bemidji Area CommunityPassion for helping others in our community and greater region and encourages others to become involved

Business of the Year

Award Criteria: •Member must be in good standing with the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce •The business has been in existence for over 2 years •Has demonstrated revenue or job growth •Provides exemplary customer service •Encourages community involvement •Provides staff development.
Name of Business:
Nominated by: (Optional)
Comments
Please provide feedback in comments AND/OR check all that apply to the nominated business:

Exhibits growth from year to yearDemonstrates a commitment to the community by hiring local and conducting business with other local businesses/vendorsProvides exemplary serviceProvides a leadership role in community groups and activitiesProvides sound management principlesInvestment in professional development, continuing education, and skill building for employeesIs innovative in products or serviceEncourages employee community involvement and volunteerism

THANK YOU!

We appreciate your nominations! Please join us to celebrate excellence within our business community! Check our website for event details: www.bemidji.org
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Deadline: Submit your nominations by April 1, 2025