Categories
We are proud to recognize the highest levels of achievement in business in Orillia and Lake Country.
Business Growth Award
Description
To the business that has exhibited exceptional growth in 2023- e.g. market, workforce, regional expansion, size of business, physical location enhancement/ expansion, or regional economic development.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Overcoming challenges | 30.0% |
Overall impression | 20.0% |
Size of expansion | 20.0% |
Economic Impact/ regional significance | 30.0% |
Business Leader of the Year Award
Description
To an individual who best exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit – a true passion for building something great from nothing and pushing themselves to the limits to achieve big goals.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Completeness of entry | 20.0% |
Extent to which this individual demonstrates entrepreneurial qualities: perseverance, determination, innovation | 40.0% |
Achievements/ outcomes | 20.0% |
Overcoming adversity | 20.0% |
Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award
Description
Eligible recipients are an active member of the Orillia Chamber of Commerce and are in good standing. This award will recognize a business in the area that is involved and engaged in the community.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Overall impression | 10.0% |
Community/ charitable participation/ contributions | 20.0% |
Demonstrates "Support Local" attitude | 25.0% |
Notable business accomplishments in 2023 | 20.0% |
Outstanding customer experience | 25.0% |
Chris Bellchambers Hats Off Award
Description
In recognition of an individual who makes an outstanding contribution to the community. This award is named in honour of Chris Bellchambers, a longtime volunteer with the Orillia District Chamber. Chris demonstrated outstanding community spirit by being always looking for way to help, maintaining a positive attitude, and donating countless hours of his time to community initiatives.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Overcoming barriers/ adversity | 20.0% |
Exemplifies selfless commitment to community | 20.0% |
Efforts are significant or outstanding | 20.0% |
Local impact of contributions | 20.0% |
Completeness of Entry | 20.0% |
Customer Service
Description
To the business that has been recognized by their customers to provide a high level of service consistently, or who is seen to far surpass their customers' expectations in the delivery of their product or service. Please give a specific example.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Overall impression | 10.0% |
Has enhanced, expanded, or invested in improving customer service in 2023 | 20.0% |
Makes outstanding efforts to deliver high-quality customer service | 40.0% |
Application demonstrates/ documents customer service quality. | 30.0% |
Diversity and Inclusion Award
Description
Recognizes the business that is committed to practicing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Overall impression | 10.0% |
Human Resource policies, practices, and outcomes | 25.0% |
Accessibility | 20.0% |
Promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion | 20.0% |
Customer/ public- focused efforts | 25.0% |
Employer of the Year Award
Description
To a business that exemplifies excellence in its employee focus and development. Achievements could include: job creation, employee on-boarding, training & support programs, morale and job satisfaction initiatives, recognition and reward programs, and overall committee to professional and personal employee development and success, whose skills and training initiatives best harness the talent of its people, embrace diversity, and support employee success.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Completeness of Entry | 10.0% |
Overall efforts | 40.0% |
Outcomes | 25.0% |
Creativity and Innovation | 25.0% |
Innovation Award
Description
To the company that has invested significantly in technology or innovation which improves their level of customer service, creates jobs and/or benefits the region.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Overall impression | 10.0% |
Significance | 30.0% |
Originality | 30.0% |
Outcomes | 30.0% |
Milestone Award
Description
Recognizing a business that celebrated a significant milestone in 2023.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Significance of milestone | 75.0% |
Completeness of Entry | 25.0% |
New Business of the Year
Description
Presented to a business that opened in 2023, congratulating them on their hard work and entrepreneurial initiative. Or to the business who has invented a new product or service using their entrepreneurial initiative.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Overcoming barriers/ adversity | 20.0% |
Economic Impact | 15.0% |
Uniqueness/ diversity | 10.0% |
Overall impression | 15.0% |
Achievements/ accomplishments | 20.0% |
Community contributions | 20.0% |
Not for Profit or Charitable Organization Award
Description
Recognizes a registered Not for Profit or Charitable organization which has shown a positive contribution to society, broadened education of their service, community Involvement, promotes volunteerism, social & community advancements.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Significance of local impact | 30.0% |
Overall impression | 20.0% |
2023 achievements/ milestones | 50.0% |
Small Business of the Year
Description
Recognizes outstanding achievement of a small business in some or all of the following: research and development, company growth, products and services, market development, sales and marketing, community service.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Overall impression | 20.0% |
Community/ charitable participation/ contributions | 20.0% |
Notable business accomplishments in 2023 | 35.0% |
Other- taking into account barriers overcome, uniqueness of business/ offering a necessary service, customer experience, etc. | 25.0% |
Strengthening Orillia and Lake Country
Description
In recognition of a business that fosters community involvement, through the actions of the business or by supporting their employees in community endeavors. Important note: This year, we have introduced a non-profit/ charitable organization award. We are encouraging non-profits and charities to enter that category.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Overall impression | 10.0% |
Efforts of this company to support the local community | 45.0% |
Significance of outcomes/ impact | 45.0% |
Sustainability Award
Description
To the business that has made a noticeable effort in product development or conservation practices that have a positive impact on our environment.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Overall impression | 10.0% |
Sustainable policies/ business practices | 30.0% |
Significance of outcomes/ impact | 30.0% |
Social/ charitable efforts related to environmental sustainability | 30.0% |
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Description
To recognize the achievements of a local entrepreneur age 18-35.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Overall Impression | 10.0% |
Completeness of Entry | 10.0% |
Demonstrates entrepreneurial spirit- perseverance, innovation, determination, etc. | 40.0% |
Efforts or contributions are significant or outstanding, or nominee has overcome significant obstacles/ adversity | 40.0% |