2024 business recognition award nominations now open

The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is looking for outstanding individuals and businesses that have made an impact in and around our community over the last year for their 2024 Business Recognition Awards. Nominations will be accepted through Wednesday, Nov. 15. Winners will be selected during live voting by their peers at the 2024 Business Recognition Event in February.

Categories for the 2024 Chamber Awards for a focus on business are the following.

Economic Impact Award: A local enterprise that has made significant contributions to the economic vitality of the region through business growth, job creation, investment in infrastructure, and participation in other endeavors that benefit that community and its residents. The company must also exemplify excellent corporate citizenship by giving back to the community in which it operates and possess a corporate culture that enhances the lives of its employees.

Small Business of the Year Award: A local small business that stands out for developing an outstanding, growing business; offering innovative product(s) and/or services, increasing jobs, increasing sales, overcoming adversity, and for making significant community contributions. The applicant for this award should be the highest-ranking person in the company.

Non-Profit Excellence Award: A 501(c)3 organization that demonstrates excellence in providing a service to our community and/or in advocating, enabling, and empowering an underserved, underrepresented or disadvantaged population in our area.

Best New Business: A new stand out business to Southwest Michigan that is between 6 months and 2 years old, has demonstrated levels of excellence in their product category and in providing service to the community.

Below are three awards given with a focus on individuals.

Rising Star Award: An award that recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of a highly motivated, emerging leader in the community. Nominee should demonstrate excellence, creativity, and show initiative/leadership in their industry, company, or profession.

The Pat Moody Award: An award that recognizes an individual who has made their mark in the community. Nominees should be an established presence with over 10 years in Southwest Michigan, and exemplify customer and community service.

Additionally, the Chamber will be awarding the Ambassador of the Year Award to one of their Ambassadors who has gone above and beyond in 2023 to help the Chamber and its members thrive.

Full criteria for each award, and the nomination submission form can be found online at: https://smrchamber.com/business-recognition-awards/.

Each award is focused on being meaningful and relevant to the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and our respective community members. Nominations can be submitted by anyone; however, nominees must be members in good standing with the Chamber in order to be eligible for recognition.

Full details regarding the 2024 Business Recognition Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony, including the keynote speaker and ticket sales will be announced at a later date.