Business & Community Achievement Awards

Every year, the Chamber honours local businesses, organizations and individuals for their contributions to our community.

Small Business of the Year

The award is for profit centered businesses which have been in operation in the County of Haliburton for 3 years or more and have 1 to 25 employees. Please review the list of criteria for key factors to be used to measure the accomplishments of the nominees for the Small Business of the Year Award. Note that these are for reference only and should apply during 2008 and must be a current member of the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce

Large Business of the Year

This award is for profit centered businesses which have been in operation in the County of Haliburton for 3 years or more and have 26 employees or more. Please review the list of criteria for key factors to be used to measure the accomplishments of the nominees for the Large Business of the Year Award. Note that these are for reference only and should apply during 2008 and must be a current member of the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce

New Business of the Year (Under 3 Years)

This award is for profit centered businesses which have been in operation in the County of Haliburton for 3 years or less. Please review the list of criteria for key factors to be used to measure the accomplishments of the nominees for the New Business of the Year Award. Note that these are for reference only and should apply during 2008.

Not-For-Profit Business of the Year

This award recognizes the contribution that Not-For-Profit Organizations make to the County of Haliburton. The Award will be presented to an organization that has been in business more than 3 years and follow the same standard list of criteria as the other awards.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (29 Years and Under)

The criteria for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award includes proficiency as a Risk Taker, demonstrates Enthusiasm, Motivation, displays Creativity, Originality, Dedication, Innovation and Vision

Customer Service of the Year

New this year! This award is for Customer Service centered business which have been in operation in the County of Haliburton for 3 years or more. This award recognizes both innovation and exceptional performance resulting in quality service to customers. This business would provide customer with choices in both sources of services and the means of delivery, making information, services and complaint systems easily accessible. An example of an exceptional performance may include compassion and caring that goes well beyond expectations for customer service. Note that these are for reference only and should apply during 2008.

Highlander of the Year

The Highlander of the Year Award recognizes the contributions and community leadership demonstrated by individuals for the benefit of the Haliburton Highlands. Any resident of the Highlands who has made outstanding contributions to the community in the areas of art, culture, heritage, community services, community economic development or the environment are eligible for nomination. The Highlander of the Year is a community booster and a true Ambassador for the Haliburton Highlands.

Youth of the Year

This award will be awarded to both a female and a male high school student currently or recently attending the Haliburton Highlands Secondary School. Community minded students with successful academic standing represent the quality of Haliburton’s future and are deserving of our recognition. The selection committee will award a student based on their academic and extra curricular activities and who has also shown a willingness to participate throughout the community to enrich the lives of others.

Warden’s Award of the Year

This award will be selected by the Warden of the County of Haliburton Dave Burton. It will be awarded to an individual, group, team, business or organization who has shown significant achievements or have made significant contributions to the County of Haliburton in 2008.

Standard Criteria for Awards

The selection committee will consider performance and achievement for 2008 in any of, but not limited to, the following areas:

• Leadership and Entrepreneurship
• Product or Market Innovations
• Significant Business Achievement
• Sales and/or Employment Growth and Technological Advancement
• Excellent in Community Relations/Contribution
• Environmental Consciousness
• Customer Service and Reliability
• High Standard of Employee Relations
• Contributes to the Economic Health of the Haliburton Highlands