2026 Awards of Excellence Nomination Survey

2026 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 nomiated 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.

PLEASE NOTE: You may only nominate the same business for one award category.

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
Exemplified involvement within the communityCreates a culture of employee involvement with the communityFosters team environmentViewed as a valued partner within the community, fills a much needed service or facet of the Bemidji areaExhibits exemplary customer service

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
Provides opportunities for health education programs and wellness initiativesDemonstrates a commitment to sustainability practicesParticipates in volunteerism, active events, local run or walk eventsPractices healthy communication, inclusion, and team buildingPrioritizes mental health and stress management in the workplaceProvides health programs, screenings, vaccine clinics, and/or health club membershipsOffers healthy menu/food options

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
Purchased or created a business with accelerated growthDemonstrated creativity in implementing business modelsExhibits innovative ideasSeizes new opportunities to fulfill a need within the communityProvides leadership to other entrepreneurs within the communityDemonstrates consistency in execution of ideasFosters a dynamic team environment

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
Demonstrates sound management and leadership principlesProvides exemplary serviceHas gone 'above and beyond the call of duty'Service and action have made a lasting or meaningful contribution to the Bemidji area communityDemonstrates a clear commitment to the communityProvides a leadership role in our communityProvides development and empowerment of partners and employeesPassion 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
Exhibits growth from year to yearProvides exemplary serviceProvides sound management principlesDemonstrates a commitment to to the community by hiring local and conducting business with other local businesses/vendorsProvides a leadership role in community groups and activitiesInvestment in professional development, continuing education, and skill building for employeesIs innovative in products and servicesEncourages employee community involvement and volunteerism
THANK YOU!

We appreciate your nominations! Please join us to celebrate excellence within our business community on Tuesday, May 19th. Check our website for event details: www.bemidji.org
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Nomination Survey