Business Leader of the Year
Description
For an individual whose talent, vision, expertise, dedication, and performance have defined them as an outstanding leader in the Tri-Cities business community.
Requirements
- Nominees business must have been in business for at least one year prior to the nomination.
- For business awards - Nominees must be a registered business or not-for-profit serving the Tri-Cities (valid business license)
- For individual awards - Nominees must either live in the Tri-Cities or their business must be located in the Tri-Cities.
- An organization or individual is ineligible to win the same award category more than once in three years.
- Nominees will be required to complete a judging questionnaire for review by the judging panel
- Active members of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors are ineligible to receive an award.
- Makes a conscious effort to develop and implement creative, effective practices that contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace and broader community
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Has a proven track record of sustained success in their field. | 17.0% |
| Has an established reputation for business excellence and leadership. | 17.0% |
| Has had a significant impact on their business' performance as evidenced by growth, innovation, customer satisfaction and retention, and specific industry metrics. | 17.0% |
| Leads change in their organization or community at large through participation in local business initiatives , not-for-profit organizations, volunteerism or social responsibility. | 17.0% |
| Has made a positive impact on their business' internal culture by showing dedication to their employees' wellness and personal and professional development. Makes a conscious effort to develop and implement creative, effective practices tha | 16.0% |
| Has an innovative spirit and has demonstrated an exceptional level of performance and dedication to leadership. | 16.0% |
Business of the Year (1-20 Employees)
Description
All Business of the Year awards are for registered businesses that serve the Tri-Cities and have demonstrated an outstanding level of business performance, innovation, and social responsibility. The winners in this category will have established reputations of significant positive influence on the Tri-Cities' community.
Requirements
- Nominees business must have been in business for at least one year prior to the nomination.
- For business awards - Nominees must be a registered business serving the Tri-Cities (valid business license)
- For individual awards - Nominees must either live in the Tri-Cities or their business must be located in the Tri-Cities.
- An organization or individual is ineligible to win the same award category more than once in three years.
- Nominees will be required to complete a judging questionnaire for review by the judging panel
- Active members of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors are ineligible to receive an award.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Demonstrates an exceptional level of leadership in its industry. | 20.0% |
| Demonstrates excellence in performance as evidenced by longevity, retention, growth, and reputation. | 20.0% |
| Demonstrates ingenuity and innovation based on the unique product and service it provides to the Tri-Cities. Including, but not limited to, technology, customer service and satisfaction, community services and product development. | 20.0% |
| Demonstrates social responsibility by utilizing its resources to improve its community through participation in community initiatives, support for local not-for-profits or social programs, sustainable business practices and reduction of environmental impa | 20.0% |
| Has an overall positive impact on the Tri-Cities and makes the community a better place to live, work and play. Makes a conscious effort to develop and implement creative, effective practices that contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the | 20.0% |
Business of the Year (20+ Employees)
Description
All Business of the Year awards are for registered businesses that serve the Tri-Cities and have demonstrated an outstanding level of business performance, innovation, and social responsibility. The winners in this category will have established reputations of significant positive influence on the Tri-Cities' community.
Requirements
- Nominees business must have been in business for at least one year prior to the nomination.
- For business awards - Nominees must be a registered business serving the Tri-Cities (valid business license)
- For individual awards - Nominees must either live in the Tri-Cities or their business must be located in the Tri-Cities.
- An organization or individual is ineligible to win the same award category more than once in three years.
- Nominees will be required to complete a judging questionnaire for review by the judging panel
- Active members of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors are ineligible to receive an award.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Demonstrates an exceptional level of leadership in its industry. | 20.0% |
| Demonstrates excellence in performance as evidenced by longevity, retention, growth, and reputation. | 20.0% |
| Demonstrates ingenuity and innovation based on the unique product and service it provides to the Tri-Cities. Including, but not limited to, technology, customer service and satisfaction, community services and product development. | 20.0% |
| Demonstrates social responsibility by utilizing its resources to improve its community through participation in community initiatives, support for local not-for-profits or social programs, sustainable business practices and reduction of environmental impa | 20.0% |
| Has an overall positive impact on the Tri-Cities and makes the community a better place to live, work and play. Makes a conscious effort to develop and implement creative, effective practices that contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the | 20.0% |
Food and Beverage Excellence
Description
The Food and Beverage Excellence Award recognizes a business that demonstrates outstanding achievement in the food and beverage industry within the Tri-Cities. The recipient exemplifies excellence in service, sustainability, customer experience, and authenticity.
Requirements
- Demonstrates exceptional customer service through attention to detail, consistency, and a strong commitment to creating memorable and high-quality dining or beverage experiences.
- Maintains a proven track record of customer satisfaction, supported by positive reviews, testimonials, and strong community engagement. The business is widely regarded as a trusted and valued part of the local food and beverage scene.
- Shows leadership in adopting sustainable practices, such as minimizing environmental impact, using organic or locally grown ingredients, reducing waste, and responsibly sourcing raw materials. Makes a conscious effort to develop and implement creative, effective practices that contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace and broader community.
- Offers genuine, distinctive, and culturally relevant food or beverage experiences that reflect the unique character of the Tri-Cities. Celebrates local flavors, traditions, or innovation that enhances the region's culinary identity.
Nominees will be evaluated based on:
- Service Excellence
- Customer Satisfaction & Community Reputation
- Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing
- Authenticity & Local Experience
- Measurable and meaningful impact on the Tri-Cities community.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Service Excellence | 30.0% |
| Customer Satisfaction & Community Reputation | 30.0% |
| Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing | 20.0% |
| Authenticity & Local Experience | 20.0% |
Not-For-Profit of the Year
Description
For a Not-For-Profit organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the Tri-Cities community.
Requirements
- Nominees business must have been in business for at least one year prior to the nomination.
- For business awards - Nominees must be a registered business or not-for-profit serving the Tri-Cities (valid business license)
- For individual awards - Nominees must either live in the Tri-Cities or their business must be located in the Tri-Cities.
- An organization or individual is ineligible to win the same award category more than once in three years.
- Nominees will be required to complete a judging questionnaire for review by the judging panel
- Active members of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors are ineligible to receive an award.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Has an established reputation within the community for providing exceptional programs & services to the local population. | 20.0% |
| Provides innovative programs & services that would not otherwise be available to those in the community. | 20.0% |
| Has made a strong local impact through its exceptional reach within the Tri-Cities community, positively affecting those who would otherwise not have access to services. | 20.0% |
| Has a known reputation for improving the lives of the Tri-Cities residents and makes a conscious effort to develop and implement creative, effective practices that contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace and broader community. | 20.0% |
| Demonstrates excellence in performance as evidenced by growth, innovation and industry-specific metrics. | 20.0% |
Young Professional of the Year
Description
For a business person who is 40 years of age or under who excels in their field, exemplifies outstanding leadership qualities, demonstrates strong entrepreneurial skills and has secured a positive reputation within the Tri-Cities business community.
Requirements
- Nominees business must have been in business for at least one year prior to the nomination.
- For business awards - Nominees must be a registered business or not-for-profit serving the Tri-Cities (valid business license)
- For individual awards - Nominees must either live in the Tri-Cities or their business must be located in the Tri-Cities.
- An organization or individual is ineligible to win the same award category more than once in three years.
- Nominees will be required to complete a judging questionnaire for review by the judging panel
- Active members of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors are ineligible to receive an award.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Is 40 years of age or younger as of December 31, 2024. | 16.0% |
| Embodies strong leadership skills and has a proven track record of sustained success and continued growth in their field. | 17.0% |
| Demonstrates social responsibility by participating in community initiatives, volunteerism or support of local not-for-profits. | 17.0% |
| Has had a significant impact on their business as evidenced by growth, customer satisfaction and retention, employee satisfaction and wellness, and other industry specific metrics. | 17.0% |
| Has a reputation of business excellence and expertise in their field. | 17.0% |
| Showcases dedication to their company and the Tri-Cities community by demonstrating a continued commitment to personal and professional growth. Makes a conscious effort to develop and implement creative, effective practices that contribute to diversity, e | 16.0% |
Business Ethics - Better Business Bureau Torch Award
Description
The BBB Torch Award for Ethics honours organizations whose leaders demonstrate a high level of personal character; ensure that the organization's practices meet the highest standards of ethics; and consequently generates trust with its customers and the community. The Torch Award embodies BBB's mission of advancing business trust.
This BBB Torch Award for Ethics is presented at the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
Requirements
The Torch Awards is open to for-profit businesses within the geographic service area of the Torch Award being administered. Please take note of which location this award is form.
- BBB* Accreditation is not required;
- Applicants must have a “B” rating with BBB;
- Organizations must have been in business for three years;
- All financial obligations must be met;
- Applicants are not eligible if they have received the BBB Torch Award in the past five years;
- Government agencies are not eligible to submit an application.
The Judging Process
Entries are evaluated by an independent, voluntary panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders, BBB staff and board members. Your written submission, including examples, stories and documents, should provide a robust and accurate depiction of your organizations focus on character, culture, customers and community. Supporting documents and attachments can range from handbooks, internal documentation, or photos from events.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Criteria 1: Character | 25.0% |
| Criteria 2: Culture | 25.0% |
| Criteria 3: Customers | 25.0% |
| Criteria 4: Community | 25.0% |
