Nominations

Category

• Arch Brown Entrepreneur Award of Excellence

  The Arch Brown Entrepreneur of Excellence Award recognizes individuals who exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit through their commitment to initiating ventures from the ground up and striving for greatness. This prestigious award celebrates a lifetime of achievements and acknowledges:

  
  

  1. Track Record of Success: Demonstrating a proven history of business triumphs attained through diversifying product offerings or services.
  2. Exemplary Customer Service: Delivering exceptional customer service that sets a benchmark in the industry.
  3. Job Creation: Generating employment opportunities that contribute to the local economy.
  4. Employee Development: Nurturing and developing employees, fostering a culture of growth and innovation.
  5. Community Engagement: Actively engaging with the community and contributing to the overall business landscape.
  6. Enduring Influence: Showcasing remarkable accomplishments and positive outcomes achieved through years of dedication, vision, and business expertise.

  
  

  This accolade pays tribute to individuals whose enduring influence and remarkable achievements have made a significant impact on the business community.

• 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:

  
  

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

  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:

  
  

  1. Work Ethic: Demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to their responsibilities.
  2. Leadership: Taking on leadership roles and inspiring others.
  3. 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:

  
  

  1. Customer Service: A dedication to providing exceptional hospitality and customer service.
  2. Quality & Consistency: Maintaining high standards in the quality and consistency of products or services.
  3. 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:

  
  

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

  The Marketing & Promotions Award acknowledges businesses that have executed innovative and impactful marketing or design campaigns within the year. Key elements include:

  
  

  1. Campaign Creativity: Execution of multimedia campaigns that stand out for their creativity and innovation.
  2. Positive Influence: Recognizing the impact on brand recognition and sales growth.
  3. Market Reach: Assessing the effectiveness of connecting with and involving the target audience.
• 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:

  
  

  1. Business Expansion: Proof of increased sales, staff, and customer acquisition.
  2. Community Contribution: Support that improves the well-being and economic vitality of the community.
  3. 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:

  
  

  1. Program Advancement: Proven growth and excellence in programs and services.
  2. Community Involvement: High levels of community participation and volunteer coordination.
  3. 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:

  
  

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

  
  

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

  
  

  1. Operational Sustainability: Integration of energy conservation, waste reduction, and optimized water usage in daily operations.
  2. Sustainable Sourcing: Use of sustainably sourced materials and prioritization of local procurement.
  3. Growth Metrics: Demonstrated progress and growth in sustainable practices year over year.
  4. Unique Projects: Original projects or programs that promote sustainability and reduce carbon footprints.
  5. Community Engagement: Creative involvement of the community to raise sustainability awareness and promote local involvement.
  6. 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.

• 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:

  
  

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

  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:

  
  

  1. Business Achievements: Successes in business growth and leadership.
  2. Community Engagement: Involvement in community activities or the non-profit sector.
  3. 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:

  
  

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

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