For more than a decade, the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce has presented annual Business of the Year and Organization of the Year Awards to recognize outstanding contributions to our community.
Although excellence in business or organizational operations, customer service, leadership, and innovation are valued, these awards place greatest emphasis on service to the people who live and work in the Kern River Valley.
The highest honor is reserved for those whose efforts have made a lasting, positive difference in the daily lives of our local community, demonstrating a commitment that reaches beyond their own success and enriches the valley as a place to live, work, and thrive.
Eligible Nominees
Business nominees must be for-profit businesses that operate in or serve the Kern River Valley.
Organization nominees may include nonprofit corporations, service clubs, churches or church ministries, student organizations, or any group that has made a meaningful contribution to the people and communities of the Kern River Valley.
Business and Organizations must have been operation in the valley for a minimum of one year.
Prior awardees may be nominated, but priority will generally be granted to those not previoulsy recognized. Please go to kernrivervalley.com/businessandorganizationawards to view prior awards.
Criteria - Organizations The following criteria will be considered in determing the awardee, with approximate weights given to each criterion.
Community Impact 40%
Mission Effectiveness 20%
Leadership & Volunteer Engagement 15%
Collaboration & Partnerships 10%
Organizational Excellence 10%
Chamber & Civic Engagement 5%
Criteria - Businesses
Community Support* 40%
Business Excellence 20%
Customer Service and Reputation 15%
Promotes the Kern River Valley 10%
Economic Contribution 10%
Chamber & Civic Engagement 5%
* examples of community support include sponsoring community events and fundraisers, staff volunteerism, providing tangible support such as donation of space or printing to community organizations, and other activities that make the Kern River Valley a better place to live and work in.