Generally, there are two or three awardees recognized each year. In some instances, the Committee recognizes a group award. Awardees will be selected on merit, not endorsement. The criteria for selection are as follows:
Business Leadership: The nominated individual should demonstrate exemplary leadership in a for-profit business that has created valued employment opportunities and generated a significant, multi-million-dollar economic impact for their community and the state -- creating wealth for stakeholders and expanding job and workforce opportunities.
Business Hall of Fame nominating committee members may, from time to time, consider leaders of large nonprofit organizations (e.g. hospitals, medical organizations, colleges, universities or other community impact organizations) who manage substantial operating budgets and balance sheets, have overseen large workforces or have made significant economic and social impacts on the communities they serve.
Community Development Impact: The nominated individual should have made a significant and measurable impact by improving the economic vitality of their community and the state through their leadership in organizations such as chambers of commerce, economic development organizations or educational institutions.
Community Volunteerism/Leadership: In addition to leading the robust community support of the organizations they led, the nominated individual should demonstrate a personal commitment of time, expertise and financial resources to advance the well-being of the community through meaningful support of charitable initiatives and organizations.
Strategic Leadership: The nominated individual should have advanced broader community economic growth through visionary leadership, collaborative problem-solving and the cultivation of strategic partnerships that drive long-term prosperity.
Business Recognition: The nominated individual should be widely recognized and respected by their peers as an outstanding business leader.
Additional Qualifications That Will Be Considered: The nominated individual should have demonstrated leadership that has made a positive and significant economic impact on the communities they serve and on the state. While this impact may, in part, be subjective, the measurable results of their leadership should reflect a multi-million dollar economic contribution.
From time-to-time, the nominating committee may consider candidates for the Hall of Fame who have led through elected or appointed government service. These considerations should be non-partisan and be arrived at solely on the basis of the significant economic and business community impact of their leadership and service
The nominating committee may exercise discretion in selecting individuals for induction into the Hall of Fame, including consideration of non-traditional candidates who have made a substantial impact on our state and region.
Decisions of the nominating committee are final, reflecting their careful review and judgement.
Please note the nominee's major achievements for each of the following criterion and also submit a CV/resume of the nominee and two or more letters of recommendation.