There are many businesses across Michigan’s Great Southwest who are doing great things every day but never get the spotlight cast their way. That’s why the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce is rolling out their annual nomination process to help identify the community’s Business of the Year Award winner alongside nominations for the Community Spirit Award.
Too often dynamic members of the business community have their light hidden under the proverbial bushel basket, and their good work doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Lakeshore Chamber officials are hopeful that the community itself will help turn that around by pointing out the bright and shining stars in the local business universe.
If you’d like to nominate a business for the Business of the Year Award, here are the criteria:
The Business of the Year showcases the impact and vital role that small to midsize businesses play in the overall economic development of Southwest Michigan. Each year, businesses are recognized for their creativity, vitality, stability, and relevance. Winners are nominated by their peers in the business community.
Achievements in more categories will result in stronger consideration, including the following:
- Expansion or business renovation,
- Productivity and quality improvements,
- Entrepreneurship and business leadership,
- Business innovation (creativity and imagination in business operations, products, and services),
- Customer relation practices (high level of customer confidence and excellence in customer services and relations),
- Marketing and promotional achievements,
- Increased area employment Contributions to aid in community-oriented projects.
The Lakeshore Chamber also takes time out each year to deliver what they call the Community Spirit Award. That award is presented to a business or individual who has shown exemplary leadership in the civic community and demonstrated a positive social or economic impact on Southwest Michigan. Each year, individuals are recognized for their passion for the betterment of the community. Winners are nominated by their peers in the business community.
Achievements in more categories will result in stronger consideration, including the following:
- Gives freely and unselfishly of their time to community activities,
- Inspires others to serve and act as role models,
- Community involvement in health and fitness School partnerships, scholarship opportunities, and inspiring young talent,
- Engaging the community on issues of sustainability,
- Sowing seeds for change on an issue salient to our community,
- Embodies a sense of caring and responsibility for others that connects citizens and solves community problems.
The nomination process is now open in both categories and you can find the electronic nomination form by clicking the link below:
https://www.lakeshorechamber.org/annual-awards/nominate-a-business/
