Nominations

Category

• Arch Brown Entrepreneur Award of Excellence (Individual)

  The Arch Brown Entrepreneur of Excellence Award is the highest honour presented by the Barrie Chamber of Commerce. It celebrates an entrepreneur whose lifetime of dedication, leadership, and innovation has transformed Barrie's business community.

  This prestigious award recognizes a legacy of entrepreneurial achievement—those whose vision, commitment and impact will be felt for generations.

  Award Criteria

  Nominees for the Arch Brown Entrepreneur of Excellence Award will have:

  • A Legacy of Success
  • A proven history of building and growing businesses that have contributed significantly to the local economy
  • Community Leadership
  • A track record of supporting community initiatives, mentoring others and helping to shape the future of Barrie
  • Job Creation and Growth
  • Generating employment opportunities, fostering professional development and cultivating a culture of growth and innovation
  • Enduring Influence
  • Demonstrating vision, resilience and long-term contributions that have left a lasting mark on Barrie's business landscape

  A Lifetime of Impact

  This award is not simply about business success. It celebrates entrepreneurial excellence that inspires, uplifts and transforms a community over time. It honours those who have become part of the fabric of Barrie's business history.

• Business Growth Award

  The Business Growth Award recognizes a Barrie-based business that has successfully implemented a growth strategy resulting in notable improvements in its financial performance. This award highlights innovative approaches in developing and commercializing products or services that lead to the expansion of domestic and international markets. Key considerations include:

  • Product/Service Development: Innovation in creating or enhancing products or services produced or provided from Barrie.
  • Market Expansion: Successful entry and growth within global markets.
  • Strategic Partnerships: Establishment of strategic alliances and distribution networks that have significantly increased sales.
  • Job Creation: Demonstrated ability to generate new employment opportunities within the community, contributing to the local economy.
• Employee of the Year Award (Individual)

  The Employee of the Year Award celebrates an individual working for a Barrie company who exemplifies excellence in their role. This employee takes initiative, shows leadership qualities, and consistently delivers performances that surpass their colleagues. Key aspects include:

  • Work Ethic: Demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to their responsibilities.
  • Leadership: Taking on leadership roles and inspiring others.
  • Impact: Significantly enhancing the organization's success and overall performance through their contributions.
• Hospitality & Tourism Business Excellence Award

  The Hospitality & Tourism Business Excellence Award acknowledges businesses in the accommodation, attraction, or food sector that have enriched the community's appeal for both residents and tourists. This award highlights:

  • Customer Service: A dedication to providing exceptional hospitality and customer service.
  • Quality & Consistency: Maintaining high standards in the quality and consistency of products or services.
  • Guest Experience: Creating a guest experience that encourages repeat visits and positive feedback.
• Manufacturing, Engineering, & Construction Business Excellence Award

  The Manufacturing, Engineering, & Construction Business Excellence Award honours Barrie-based businesses excelling in manufacturing, engineering, or construction. Recognized achievements include:

  • Productivity & Innovation: Showcasing advancements in productivity, innovative manufacturing methods, and product/market development.
  • Operational Efficiencies: Implementing efficiencies that improve overall performance.
  • Export Development: Making significant strides in export growth or import substitution.
  • Skilled Trades Development: Contributions to human resources and skilled trade advancement.
• Marketing & Promotions Award

  The Marketing & Promotions Award celebrates a business or organization that has effectively used marketing to increase visibility, connect with their audience and drive measurable results. This award highlights the strategic use of marketing, whether developed in-house or with external support, that demonstrates creativity, innovation and impact.

  Key Criteria:

  • Strategic Execution: How the campaign was created and rolled out, including objectives, mediums used and engagement strategy
  • Creative Innovation: The uniqueness and appeal of the campaign in capturing attention and resonating with its audience
  • Tangible Results: Clear outcomes such as increased sales, brand recognition, community engagement or market reach

  Note: This award recognizes the business that commissioned, implemented and benefited from the campaign. Marketing agencies or service providers may be acknowledged within the nomination but are not eligible as primary nominees unless the campaign was created and executed to promote their own business.

• New Business Award

  The New Business Award honours a Barrie company that has been operational for 1-3 years and has made a significant impact on the local economy and community. This accolade considers:

  • Business Expansion: Proof of increased sales, staff, and customer acquisition.
  • Community Contribution: Support that improves the well-being and economic vitality of the community.
  • Innovation: Demonstrated innovation in business strategies, products, or services.
• Not-For-Profit or Charitable Organization Award

  The Not-For-Profit or Charitable Organization Award acknowledges an organization that embodies entrepreneurial spirit and excellence in service delivery and community impact. Criteria include:

  • Program Advancement: Proven growth and excellence in programs and services.
  • Community Involvement: High levels of community participation and volunteer coordination.
  • Operational Effectiveness: Effective fundraising, marketing, and transparent operational procedures.
• Pay It Forward Award

  The Pay It Forward Award celebrates a company whose community investments have generated significant social benefits. This recognition highlights:

  • Community Responsibility: Demonstrated accountability to the community through company policies and actions.
  • Long-Term Dedication: Initiatives that show sustained dedication to enhancing the quality of life in the community.
  • Social Impact: Projects or practices that bring measurable advantages.
• Sustainable Impact Award

  The Sustainable Impact Award, new for 2024, honours a Barrie business demonstrating dedication to sustainability and responsible practices over the past year. This award celebrates innovative approaches to sustainable business practices, reducing carbon footprints, encouraging local procurement, and contributing to community sustainability. Key aspects include:

  • Operational Sustainability: Integration of energy conservation, waste reduction, and optimized water usage in daily operations.
  • Sustainable Sourcing: Use of sustainably sourced materials and prioritization of local procurement.
  • Growth Metrics: Demonstrated progress and growth in sustainable practices year over year.
  • Unique Projects: Original projects or programs that promote sustainability and reduce carbon footprints.
  • Community Engagement: Creative involvement of the community to raise sustainability awareness and promote local involvement.
  • Employee Engagement: Fostering a culture of sustainability, engaging employees in innovative initiatives, and encouraging new ideas and participation.

  By meeting these criteria, companies support sustainable practices and set a standard for others to follow, fostering a more sustainable future for the Barrie community.

• Service Business Excellence Award

  The Service Business Excellence Award acknowledges a service or retail establishment that demonstrates a commitment to innovation and outstanding service. Key considerations include:

  • Innovative Services: Implementation of store layouts or novel approaches to service delivery.
  • Customer Care: Dedication to providing top-notch customer service.
  • Staff Training: Ongoing training and development of employees to ensure service excellence.
• Small Business of the Year Award

  The Small Business of the Year Award is given to a business with 1-10 employees, highlighting accomplishments across various areas. Factors include:

  • Research & Development: Innovations in research and development.
  • Business Growth: Demonstrated evidence of company growth.
  • Market Expansion: Achievements in market expansion and increased sales.
  • Community Outreach: Contributions to community service and engagement.
• Young Professional of the Year Award (Individual)

  The Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes an individual under 40 who is making a significant impact in the Barrie region. This award celebrates:

  • Business Achievements: Successes in business growth and leadership.
  • Community Engagement: Involvement in community activities or the non-profit sector.
  • Inspiring Story: A compelling story showcasing their influence on their business or community, demonstrating dedication to enhancing local or global conditions.
• Leadership in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award

  The Leadership in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award, established in 2023, recognizes an individual or business that embraces cultural differences and exemplifies leadership and commitment to equitable practices, building an inclusive workplace. This award celebrates those who have made significant strides in advancing diversity, equity, and the removal of barriers in the Greater Barrie Community with clear and positive impacts over the past year. Key aspects include:

  • Organizational Strategy: Incorporating equity, diversity, and inclusion into the organizational strategy.
  • Inclusive Hiring Practices: Building an equitable and inclusive workplace culture through hiring practices.
  • Equitable Access: Providing equitable access to staff training and leadership opportunities.
  • Coaching and Mentoring: Demonstrating a commitment to coaching and mentoring others in the workplace and community regarding equity, diversity, and inclusivity.
  • Innovative Initiatives: Introducing initiatives, programs, and projects internally and externally that contribute to the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Community Involvement: Recognized as a strong business partner through active involvement in supporting community, charitable, and civic organizations.

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