Awards Gala
November 16 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
$100.00 – $120.00
Our favourite evening of celebrations! Nov 16th, 2023, 6pm at Poley Mountain Resorts
Tickets are $100 for chamber partners and $120 for future chamber partners.
RSVP by November 9th at https://sussexdistrictchamber.ca/chamber-awards-tickets/
We are now accepting Nominations!
Special thanks to our sponsors for 2023!
For more information on sponsorship opportunities for this event, click here.
Rules and Regulations
Requirements
- All businesses nominated must be within the limits of Kings Regional Service Commission (see map) or be a member in good standing with the Sussex & District Chamber of Commerce.
- Businesses may be nominated for and accept the nominations for up to two categories, however, may only win one per award year
- Nominations open on Thursday, September 28th, 2023
- Nominations close Wednesday, October 12th, 2023
- Nomination descriptions of why they are being nominated, may be shared with businesses, judges and/or for promotional purposes. Nominator names will not be shared.
- Winners from the previous year may not win in the same category for the following 4 years
- “Start Up Business Award” may only be won once
- All businesses must meet the award criteria, rules and regulations & are subject to review by the Judges. All decisions are final
- Acceptances may be shared with our affiliates for ongoing, next level, regional awards
- Businesses must accept their nominations within the prescribed timelines to compete or be considered for an award
Award Descriptions
The SDCC reserves the right to adjust the quantity of awards granted for any category. The number of awards granted will reflect the number of nominations accepted for the category. All achievements described below must have occurred within the Award Year (October 1st, 2022, to September 30th, 2023).
Agricultural Excellence Award
- A Business or Farm that has made a substantial contribution to the field of agricultural development
- Innovation and creativity in business (production and/or processing, and/or sales and marketing)
- Proven business sustainability and/or growth
- Outstanding accomplishments in agriculture, aquaculture, and/or value-added food processing
- Shows active involvement in the community
- Dedication to environmental agricultural practices
Business Excellence Award
- Open to all businesses operating in the Sussex & District area or are members of the Sussex & District Chamber of Commerce in good standing
- Candidates will be judged on all the following criteria:
- Dedication to customer service
- Quality of product or service
- Innovation and creativity in business
- Consistent pre-sales and after sales customer service
- Proven business growth
- Outstanding business accomplishments
- Active involvement in the community and/or business associations
- Expertise in their industry
Community Impact Award
- Strong record of exceptional generosity through direct financial support or through significant volunteer time
- Has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to philanthropy
- Has encouraged and motivated others in the business community to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement
- Active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community
Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Award
- Open to either an employer or newcomer who fit the corresponding criteria:
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- Active interest in diversity and inclusion in the community either as an employer or newcomer.
- Employer who is eager to learn how to diversify their workforce and developing creative strategies to support new employees’
- Employers and organizations creating collaboration between employers, settlement agencies, municipalities, community members, and various government levels to create new opportunities
- Newcomers who want to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our region through their own business
Employee of The Year Award
- Outstanding performance and dedication
- Exceptional leadership qualities
- Significant contributions to company success
- Innovative and creative problem-solving
- Consistent high-level performance
- Inspires and motivates colleagues
Entrepreneur of The Year Award
- Individually owned and operated
- Successful in expanding their business
- True trendsetter in recognizing a new market, product, service, technological advancement or opportunity and led the way
- Business is profitable, has a comprehensive business plan and is ready for next-stage growth
- Shows true innovation and a willingness to take risks
Start Up Business Award
- Operating between 0-3 years
- Newly established
- Showed growth and success
- Nominees for this award should be exceptional leaders whose businesses and business practices affect our community
- Shown innovation and creativity in business
- Potential for sustainability of future business growth
- Overcoming challenges
- Active involvement in the community and/or business associations
- Has not previously won this award
Customer Service Excellence Award
- Vote online for your favourite business via the form hosted by the Sussex & District Chamber of Commerce
- Pick a company that demonstrates one or all the below criteria:
- Principles and practices of excellence in customer service
- Going above and beyond expected service; friendly & helpful
- Value for money
- Product knowledge
- After-sales service
Nominations close: Thursday, October 12th, 2023
The SDCC cannot change or edit nominations once they have been submitted. If a business is nominated for a category to which they do not apply, the nomination is rejected. Once nominations close on Thursday, October 12th, 2023, all nominations are submitted to vetting as-is. There will be no exceptions for late acceptances.
Acceptance
All businesses are provided the opportunity to accept their vetted nominations. Acceptances will be emailed to business owners, as they were supplied to the Sussex & District Chamber of Commerce via the nomination forms. Businesses must accept their nomination(s) via email to be considered for an award(s). The Sussex & District Chamber of Commerce holds no responsibility for incorrect emails submitted via the nomination form.
Acceptances will be sent out by October 16th and will close October 23rd, 12pm sharp. We highly suggest that businesses ensure that their email accounts are monitored during this time. Businesses may be nominated under multiple award categories and may accept any that they wish to be considered for. Businesses may only win one award per year.
Judging
Judges are a panel of influential individuals from across the Greater Sussex area. Judges names will not be disclosed to ensure none are approached to influence their choices. Judging is confidential and online. Judges are not aware of category assignments of others on the judging panel.
In the event of a tie, it will be discussed during the private judge’s luncheon. Should a business win under multiple categories, the SDCC Award Administration will present the recommendation to the judging panel for approval. The judge’s decision is final.
Customer Service Excellence Award
The Customer Service Excellence Award is unique as it is by popular vote. Votes are open to members of the public. The method of this vote is via our online form.
In the event of suspicious voting, those votes will be cancelled by the SDCC and will not be accepted in the final tally. The SDCC’s decision is final.
The vote will open on October 24th and close on October 30th.
Awards Gala
Our Annual Awards Gala will be held on November 16th, 2023 at which time all awards will be announced.
Timelines
- September 28th, 2023 Nominations Open
- October 12th, 2023 Nominations Close
- October 16th, 2023 Open Acceptances
- October 23rd, 2023 Close Acceptances, 12pm
- October 24th, 2023 Chamber Board to Begin Judging, Open Customer Service Excellence Award Vote
- October 30th, 2023 Chamber Board Judging Closes, Close Customer Service Excellence Award Poll, 5pm
- November 16th, 2023 Sussex & District Chamber of Commerce Celebration, all winners are announced