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As Lincoln's most prestigious business awards, the Chamber's annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards gala showcases and celebrates high achievement in Lincoln's business community. We look forward to another fantastic event next September.
Business of the Year - (Large) 20+ Employees
Description

Awarded to the Lincoln business that best amplifies innovation, direction and excellent customer service. This company incorporates values into their business and has a commitment to Lincoln. They should be a model for other businesses to emulate and have 20 or more employees.

Fields
  • Name of Business:
  • Your Name (First and Last)
  • Your Position
  • Address
    Including Postal Code
  • Phone Number
  • Your Website
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Describe your Business - Be as detailed as possible.
    Provide a brief overview of the history of your organization, your services and who you work with.
  • How do you do business differently?
    Tell us how your organization exemplifies business success as it relates to factors such as workplace culture, customer service, innovation, and sustainability for continued improvement.
  • Staff Training and Development
    Give us some examples of how your organization is committed to employee skills development, continuing education and the overall wellbeing of your team.
  • Community Involvement
    Tell us how your business contributes to the community as a whole. Include any new and ongoing initiatives that support the social and/or economic wellbeing of Lincoln.
  • Point of Pride
    Highlight any new for 2024/2025 projects and/or initiatives that you are proud to showcase for your organization. Tell us why your organization stands out from the rest! Examples can include new community events, staff appreciation, innovative services or products, sustainability initiatives, etc.
  • Is there anything else you'd like us to know about your business?
Criteria
Criterion Weight
Business Excellence & Innovation 20.0%
Customer Service & Workplace Culture 20.0%
Community Engagement & Contribution 20.0%
Organizational Development & Staff Investment 20.0%
Points of Pride & 2024 Highlights 20.0%
Business of the Year (Small) -19 Employees
Description

Awarded to the Lincoln business that best amplifies innovation, direction and excellent customer service. This company incorporates values into their business and has a commitment to Lincoln. They should be a model for other businesses to emulate and have 19 or less employees.

Fields
  • Name of Business
  • Your Name
    First and Last
  • Your Position
  • Address:
    Including Postal Code
  • Phone
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Describe your Business - Be as detailed as possible.
    Provide a brief overview of the history of your organization, your services and who you work with.
  • How do you do business differently?
    Tell us how your organization exemplifies business success as it relates to factors such as workplace culture, customer service, innovation, and sustainability for continued improvement.
  • Staff Training and Development
    Give us some examples of how your organization is committed to employee skills development, continuing education and the overall wellbeing of your team.
  • Community Involvement
    Tell us how your business contributes to the community as a whole. Include any new and ongoing initiatives that support the social and/or economic wellbeing of Lincoln.
  • Point of Pride
    Highlight any new for 2024/2025 projects and/or initiatives that you are proud to showcase for your organization. Tell us why your organization stands out from the rest! Examples can include new community events, staff appreciation, innovative services or products, sustainability initiatives, etc.
  • Is there anything else you'd like us to know about your business?
Criteria
Criterion Weight
Business Excellence & Innovation 20.0%
Customer Service & Workplace Culture 20.0%
Community Engagement & Contribution 20.0%
Organizational Development & Staff Investment 20.0%
Points of Pride & 2024 Highlights 20.0%
Non-Profit of the Year
Description

The Non-Profit of the Year Award acknowledges and celebrates Non-Profit entities that have displayed outstanding best practices, along with a significant positive impact on our community.

Fields
  • Name of Business
  • Your Name
  • Your Position
  • Address
    Including Postal Code
  • Phone
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Tell us about your organization.
    What is your mission, and who do you serve?
  • Is there anything else you'd like the judges to know about your organization's work and community impact?
  • What are your organization's goals moving forward, and how do you plan to build on your impact?
  • What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2024?
  • How do you collaborate with other organizations, businesses, or community partners?
    Share examples of joint initiatives or partnerships
  • How do you measure success and impact within your organization?
    Describe how you responded to changing community needs or organizational challenges.
  • How does your organization demonstrate good governance and best practices in leadership, transparency, and accountability?
  • How do you engage with your community and stakeholders (e.g., clients, donors, volunteers, partners)?
  • How did your organization demonstrate innovation or adaptability in 2024?
    Describe how you responded to changing community needs or organizational challenges.
  • What key programs or services did you deliver in 2024, and what impact did they have?
    Please include measurable outcomes or stories that illustrate your success.
  • Do you want to include a video with your entry?
    Upload it here
  • Do you want to include an image with your entry?
    Upload it here
Criteria
Criterion Weight
Mission Impact 20.0%
Program Effectiveness 20.0%
Innovation & Adaptability 20.0%
Governance & Best Practices 20.0%
Community Engagement 20.0%
The Power of One Award
Description

This award recognizes an individual who successfully operated their own business independently in 2024, without any permanent employees. Demonstrating full control over the direction and decisions of their enterprise, they relied solely on their own skills, expertise, and resources to thrive. This entrepreneur exemplified vision, innovation, resilience, and leadership, achieving measurable business success while practicing good corporate citizenship and contributing meaningfully to their community. 

Fields
  • Name of Business
  • Your Name
  • Your Position
  • Address
    Including Postal Code
  • Phone
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Tell us about your business.
    What product or service do you offer, and who is your target audience?
  • Is there anything else you'd like the judges to know about your business or entrepreneurial journey?
  • What advice would you give to others considering starting a business on their own?
  • What are you most proud of in your 2024 journey as a business owner?
  • How do you engage with and contribute to your local community?
    Include volunteer work, mentorship, collaborations, donations, or other forms of corporate citizenship.
  • As a solo entrepreneur, how do you manage the various demands of running a business on your own?
    Describe your time management, skill development, or creative approaches to staying organized and effective.
  • What measurable success have you achieved in the past year?
    This could include financial growth, customer/client growth, notable projects, media attention, or other key milestones
  • What inspired you to start this business?
    Describe the motivation behind your venture and how it began.
  • Do you want to add a video to your application?
  • Do you want to include images with your application?
Criteria
Criterion Weight
Solo Operation & Self-Sufficiency 20.0%
Innovation & Adaptability 20.0%
Business Growth & Success 20.0%
Resilience 20.0%
Community Engagement 20.0%
Agri-Business of the Year
Description

This award recognizes excellence in the Agriculture and Agri-business sector.

The recipient is an Agriculture or Agri-business focused business that consistently demonstrates

achievement in the area of their business focus

Requirements

The criteria is as follows:
1. Can range from a farming enterprise through to a beverage and food producer
and can include support organizations such as warehouses, wholesalers,
processors, and retailers.
2. Has the characteristics of a successful business with diversification, innovation,
sound business practices, workplace safety, and community involvement.
3. Shows leadership and outstanding achievement with their sector and has a
propensity to continuous improvement.
4. Demonstrates a commitment to the environment and the advancement and
sustainability of the agriculture industry.
5. Shows a high level of care and concern for the community and has elements of
social enterprise in their corporate culture

Fields
  • Name of Business
  • Your Name
  • Your Position
  • Address
  • Phone
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Tell us about your agri-business or horticultural business.
    What do you produce or provide, and who are your primary customers or clients?
  • Is there anything else you'd like the judges to know about your business, values, or impact?
  • What are your business goals for the future, and how will they continue to benefit Lincoln's agri-food sector?
  • What are you most proud of achieving in 2024?
  • How do you promote and advocate for agriculture or horticulture in the broader community or industry?
  • What challenges has your business faced in 2024, and how did you overcome them?
  • How do you engage with and support the local community?
    Consider events, education, tourism, partnerships, or charitable efforts.
  • How do you incorporate environmental sustainability or land stewardship into your business operations?
  • What innovative practices, technologies, or products have you implemented in 2024?
    Share how you've adapted or evolved to stay competitive and sustainable.
  • How does your business contribute to the local economy and the agricultural landscape in Lincoln?
    Include employment, supply chain participation, or market reach.
Criteria
Criterion Weight
Contribution to Local Economy 20.0%
Innovation in Agriculture 20.0%
Sustainability & Stewardship 20.0%
Community Engagement 20.0%
Resilience & Business Performance 20.0%
Community Partner of the Year
Description

The Community Impact Award honors businesses that make a significant and lasting impression on their local communities. This accolade celebrates companies that extend beyond their primary functions to cultivate well-being, growth, and unity within the community. Organizations that demonstrate active engagement with local entities, initiating or contributing to projects that lead to tangible improvements are eligible for this award.

Criteria
Criterion Weight
Community Engagement & Leadership 20.0%
Social Responsibility & Impact 20.0%
Collaboration & Partnerships 20.0%
Employee Involvement in Community 20.0%
Sustainability of Initiatives 20.0%
inspiHER Business of the Year
Description

The Business Woman of the Year Award is meant to recognize and award the determination and success of a woman entrepreneur who made it in the stringent business world. Judges are looking for a female entrepreneur who has demonstrated how she has successfully overcome challenges to build a robust and thriving company.

Fields
  • Your Name
  • Business Name
  • Your Position
  • Your Address
  • Phone Number
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Tell us about your professional journey.
    Please describe you background, accomplishments, and how you have demonstrated excellence in your field or industry.
  • How have you made a positive impact on your community or industry?
    Include any initiatives, programs, or contributions that have led to meaningful change or advancement.
  • In what ways do you mentor or empower others?
    Describe how you support the growth of others—particularly women or underrepresented individuals—through mentorship, guidance, or advocacy.
  • What challenges or barriers have you overcome?
    Share any personal, professional, or societal challenges you have faced and how you have shown resilience in the face of adversity.
  • How do you demonstrate leadership and influence in the business community?
    Provide examples of how you inspire others, lead initiatives, or contribute to your organization or community through visionary leadership.
  • Is there anything else you'd like us to know about you and your business?
  • Would you like to include a video with your nomination?
  • Would you like to include any images with your nomination?
Criteria
Criterion Weight
Entrepreneurial Achievement 20.0%
Overcoming Challenges 20.0%
Leadership & Vision 20.0%
Mentorship & Empowerment 20.0%
Community & Industry Impact 20.0%
Niagara Benchlands Tourism Award of Excellence
Description

The award recognizes a business that has exhibited growth and success while contributing significantly to the allure of the Town of Lincoln as a tourist destination. Specifically, the business demonstrates that its tourism outreach and hospitality activities/initiatives have resulted in an increase in the number of visitors to the Town of Lincoln and tourist spending in our community and Niagara Region. 

Requirements

The following are the business leadership attributes that are considered when selecting the “Niagara Benchlands Tourism Award of Excellence” recipient:

  • Demonstrates vision and innovation in its business philosophy and practice
  • Exhibits a strong record of business success
  • Achieves high levels of customer satisfaction
  • Committed to human resource development and training
  • Engaged with local community organizations and other businesses in joint initiatives and philanthropic activities
  • Applies marketing initiatives geared to attracting visitors to the Town of Lincoln and the Niagara Region
  • Achieved recognition through other award programs (regional, provincial, national, and/or international) 
Young Professional of the Year
Description

This award recognizes a local professional under the age of 40, who consistently demonstrates excellence in their occupation and/or has tackled the ever increasing challenges of entrepreneurship. 

Fields
  • Name of Business
  • Your Name
  • Your Position
  • Your Address
  • Phone
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Tell us about your current role or business.
    Where do you work or operate your business, and what do you do?
  • What sets you apart as a young professional in Lincoln?
  • What drives or motivates you in your career or entrepreneurial journey?
  • How do you give back or stay engaged with the Lincoln community?
    Examples might include volunteer work, involvement in local initiatives, or mentorship.
  • How do you stay committed to personal and professional development?
    Include any learning opportunities, mentorship, networking, or skill-building efforts.
  • What does your future career path look like?
    Where do you see yourself in the next few years, and how do you hope to grow professionally within or beyond Lincoln?
  • How do you demonstrate professionalism, leadership, or initiative in your work or business?
  • What accomplishments or milestones have you achieved in 2024 that you're most proud of?
  • How has your work positively contributed to your industry, workplace, or the community of Lincoln?
    Please include specific examples of leadership, innovation, or influence.
  • Is there anything else you'd like the judges to know about your business, values, or impact?
  • Do you want to add a video to your nomination?
  • Do you want to add images to your nomination?
Criteria
Criterion Weight
Professional Excellence 20.0%
Career Achievements 20.0%
Future Vision 20.0%
Community Involvement 20.0%
Drive & Motivation 20.0%
Chamber Member of the Year
Description

Awarded to an outstanding member who exemplifies the spirit of connection and community. This individual is a natural networker, a welcoming presence at every event, and a true connector of people and businesses. Through their enthusiasm, support, and active involvement, they help strengthen relationships, spark collaboration, and contribute to the continued growth of our Chamber and local economy.

Criteria
Criterion Weight
Networking Leadership 20.0%
Chamber Engagement 20.0%
Welcoming Presence 20.0%
Advocacy & Support 20.0%
Impact on Business Community 20.0%
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