Skip to content

 519.966.3696 | info@windsoressexchamber.org

BEA 2023 AWARD CATEGORIES

PILLARS OF OUR COMMUNITY

  • Recognizes a philanthropic organization or person that has made an outstanding contribution to the social, cultural or economical well-being of the Windsor Essex area
  • Nominees will positively affect the community and demonstrate best business practices
  • The objective of the organization will reflect a community need and has a clearly defined strategic plan
  • Part of the judging process for this award will involve community voting

INNOVATION AWARD

  • A business that exemplifies leadership and commitment to sustainable business practices
  • Nominees will have measurable initiatives that demonstrate adapting and improvising operations to allow for long-term success
  • Reducing environmental impact, improving efficiencies with technology
  • Showing a commitment to research and development in their industry
  • Adding noteworthy employment opportunities to our community or creating corporate culture

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY AWARD

  • Recognizes a business that has become a destination for the region
  • An ambassador that plays a vital role in the growth of their sector allowing others in their industry to also benefit from their success
  • Nominees provide amazing customer service and recognize the importance of hospitality in the area
  • Examples include wineries, restaurants, hotels, golf courses, or other points of interest

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

  • An individual who is an owner of at least one venture
  • Must have made a recent (within two years) outstanding contribution to their local economy and the entrepreneurial spirit
  • Nominees will have at least ten years of related experience
  • They will demonstrate growth in the way of innovation, sales, employment creation, and acceptance in the market

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

  • An individual who is accredited in their industry that demonstrates excellence in their field of business in the recent past and positively influences the community
  • They are leading the way in their profession with innovation and acceptance in the market
  • Examples include lawyers, accountants, consultants, and non-profit leaders

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

  • An individual who is accredited in their profession and under the age of 35 that demonstrates excellence in their field of business and positively influences the community
  • Nominees will have significant potential as a future leader, showing signs of innovation and acceptance in the market
  • Examples include lawyers, accountants, consultants, and non-profit leaders

BUSINESS AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR

  • An individual who is a member of staff (NOT self-employed and not an owner) that exceeds all expectations in their role within a business or organization
  • They improve company culture, promote growth and innovation in the workplace, and have a vital role in the ongoing success of a business
  • They are a role model for their peers and the community
  • Examples would include municipality employees, directors of corporations, and staff

NEW COMPANY OF THE YEAR

  • A new venture that is at least one year old but less than five years in business (at the date of the scheduled awards event).
  • Nominees will demonstrate their strategic goals
  • They will show how they accomplished these goals as well as a commitment to research and development of advances in the company’s industry sector
  • They will show forecasts of growth and employment creation

Please note: 3 part-time employees = 1 full-time employee

COMPANY OF THE YEAR (25 OR FEWER FTE EMPLOYEES)

  • Less than 25 full-time employees
  • Nominees will demonstrate their strategic goals
  • They will show how they accomplished these goals as well as a commitment to research and development of advances in the company’s industry sector
  • They will show forecasts of growth and employment creation

 Please note: 3 part-time employees = 1 full-time employee

COMPANY OF THE YEAR (26 OR MORE FTE EMPLOYEES)

  • 26 or more full-time employees
  • Nominees will demonstrate their strategic goals
  • They will show how they accomplished these goals as well as a commitment to research and development of advances in the company’s industry sector.
  • They will show forecasts of growth and employment creation

 Please note: 3 part-time employees = 1 full-time employee

ATHENA© LEADERSHIP  AWARD

  • It celebrates the potential of all women as valued members and leaders in the community and recognizes an individual who supports those leaders
  • It honours an individual who strives toward the highest levels of professional and /or business accomplishments
  • It recognizes women and men who have devoted time and energy in their community in a meaningful way and opened paths so that other women may follow
  • Non-profit leaders are not eligible for this award

This award is judged by the ATHENA Panel

BELIEVE WINDSOR-ESSEX AWARD

  • Recognizes an individual or organization that has demonstrated a significant commitment to positive business development despite global market trends
  • The recipient has in place definite and precise goals that will result in diversity of our region
  • These goals will enhance the economic growth and satisfy both individual pursuit for advancement and the overall economic development of our community at large

This award is judged by the BEA Committee

Come take a look at our 2022 Business Excellence Award Recipients here.