Nominations can be submitted as of December 1st and must be received by December 31st.
Community Award Descriptions and Criteria
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
The Small Business of the Year Awards honors a member company that has fewer than 25 employees and has been in business in Cook County for more than 2 years. The nominee should demonstrate visible growth and achievements, adhere to their company brand, and make a positive community impact by investing both through business and community support. He/she must contribute and promote economic growth, stability and improvement in Cook County. Previous award winners from 2005 to present are not eligible.
MAN OF THE YEAR
The Man of the Year Award is based on an inspiring man who is involved extensively in service and civic organizations and contributes to the success of not only their business, but to Cook County as well. The man nominated should be one who makes a positive community impact. Any job related task or duty for which a nominee is paid a salary will not be considered. Previous award winners from 2005 to present are not eligible.
WOMAN OF THE YEAR
The Woman of the Year awards is based on an inspiring woman who is involved extensively in service and civic organizations and contributes to the success of not only their business, but to Cook County as well. The woman nominated should be one who makes a positive community impact. Any job related task or duty for which a nominee is paid a salary will not be considered. Previous award winners from 2005 to present are not eligible.
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
The Young Professional of the Year Award is based on outstanding achievement in the nominee’s chosen field of work as well as their community service activities. The nominee should be 40 years of age or younger and demonstrate success and vision. This emerging business leader should also illustrate a positive impact on their workplace and community; demonstrate creativity and initiative all while making a meaningful imprint on the future of his/her organization and the local business community.
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award is based an individual who is responsible for a company’s success and has been in his/her position for a minimum of 2 years. The nominee should demonstrate the best traits of entrepreneurship, including willingness to take risk, drive, perseverance and business creativity. Entrepreneurs can also be multi-generational. To qualify, the new leader should have exhibited his or her own form of risk and must have also “made their mark” on the family business. Previous award winners from 2005 to present are not eligible.
- All nominees must be living in, have a business in, or be employed by a Chamber Member in Cook County and possess excellent personal character.
- Nominations can be submitted as of December 1st and must be received by December 31st.
- The winners will be announced on the afternoon of February 12th.
- Awards Banquet celebrating the winners will be held on Thursday, February 27th, at 6:00PM at The Farm in Adel. Tickets are available at the Chamber for $60 per person.
Nomination Form:
