Annual Banquet Award Nomination Packet

Packet Contents:

→ Award Overview Descriptions

→ Emerging 5 Small Business of the Year Instructions & Nomination Form & Carson L Fox Entrepreneur of the Year

→ Small Business of the Year Award Nomination Form

→ Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award Nomination Form

→ Jean Bettis Support Staff Award Nomination Form

→ Non-Profit of the Year Award Nomination Form

→ Young Professional of the Year Award Nomination Form

*All nomination forms due Wednesday, January 1st by 5:00 pm.** Awards will be presented at the Cleveland County Chamber AnnualBanquet on January 30, 2020.

Annual Banquet Award Overview

Emerging 5 Small Businesses & Carson L. Fox Small Business/Entrepreneur of the Year Award ~

This annual program recognizes the area's fastest and strongest growing small businesses for their exceptional achievements in the area of business development. The 5 companies are selected for their contributions to the region's economy and for how they have positioned themselves toward continued success. The highest-ranking company of those selected for this award will be named the Carson L. Fox Small Business/Entrepreneur of the Year. The following criteria must be met:

Growth/Expansion Innovation Diversification Response to adversity Community aide/contributions In business a minimum of three consecutive years

Past recipients include: Robert Arey, Jr., Lloyd Williams, Joe Spangler, Paul Porter, Ruby Alexander, Jim Rose, Sr., Michael Cheng, Jeanette Sun, Janet Berry, C. L. Fox, Gregg Tillman, Larry Hamrick, Jr., Frank Stewart, Robin Hendrick, David Settle, Champion Studios, Lily Bean MicroRoasted Coffee, Victoria-Stephens Specialty Gifts, and Workforce/Drugforce Staffing, Dragonfly Marketing, Walker Woodworking, and Paradise Landscaping.

Duke Power Citizenship & Service Award ~Established in 2004 in recognition of Duke Energy’s 100 year Anniversary, this award is to recognize and reward leadership and/or involvement in volunteerism and community service; to encourage a culture of citizenship and service in our communities; and to complement the efforts of those individuals and organizations in our community striving to improve our quality of life. Recipients do not have to be a Chamber member or a Duke Power customer. The award can be presented to either an individual or an organization. Selection criteria include:

Nominee(s) must set a standard and foster a culture for citizenship, service, and community responsibility; Must demonstrate a commitment to service and/or civic participation over a sustained period; Must demonstrate one or more of the following business values—

o Integrity (behave ethically, tell the truth, keep commitments, meet both the spirit and the letter of the law)

o Stewardship (care about people and the world in which we live, operate safely, be environmentallyresponsible, strengthen our communities)

o Inclusion (value diversity and respect the dignity of each person, value differences in people and perspectives, build relationships on mutual trust, recognize the contributions of every individual)

o Initiative (lead the way, demonstrate the courage and creativity to shape the future)

o Teamwork (work together to achieve superior results, support and rely on each other, demonstrate clear and open communications)

o Accountability (take responsibility for actions, live our values, set clear goals, measure results, and seek toimprove, build and protect reputation)

Nominations forms for all awards are available from the Chamber. – Page 1

Small Business of the Year Award ~

The Cleveland County Chamber’s Small Business of the Year Award was added in 2016 and is presented to the small business that has the greatest positive impact on the community. The industry must be well rounded in successfully combining community involvement, business performance and a high standard of conduct into all areas of its operation.

Past recipients include: Monroe Tire, Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge, American Restoration, and Personnel Services Unlimited

Annual Banquet Award Overview (cont.)

Jean Bettis Support Staff Award ~

Established by Cleveland County Chamber to pay tribute annually to support staff whose corporate loyalty and attitude have made an important and constant contribution to their organization’s transitions and growth. The Inaugural Award was presented in 1997, to Jean Bettis, Office Manager of Cleveland County Chamber, recognizing 40 years of loyalty and service. Other criteria include:

• Employer must be Chamber member;• Must be with the company for a minimum of 10 years;• Must demonstrate growth in their position;• Must demonstrate a willingness to accept added responsibility;• Must demonstrate ability to learn new technology;• Examples of training completed (if applicable).

Past recipients include: Pat Spangler, Nancy Carpenter, Lee Bryan, Jean Bettis, Wanda Humphries, Karen Patterson,Vickie Melton, Jennifer Newton, Karen White, Betty Sue Morris, Michelle Huffstickler, Doris Moore, April Crotts,Anne Wray Sale, and Sandra Jenkins.

Nominations forms for all awards are available from the Chamber. – Page 2

Non-Profit of the Year Award ~

The Non‐Profit of the Year Award is a Chamber community involvement award recognizing non‐profit companies whose mission directly supports the business community. This prestigious award is presented to an organization that exemplifies best practices in nonprofit management and professional development and makes a profound difference in the lives of the citizens of Cleveland County. The following criteria will be used to determine the Non‐Profit of the Year.

• Nominee has made a meaningful accomplishment in the past five years that has impacted ClevelandCounty and its citizens.

• Nominee develops and fosters the virtues and skills of civic engagement and social responsibility withintheir community.

• Organization's conduct must be above reproach regarding ethics, quality, service, and the developmentof its human resources.

• Nominations will be accepted from the general public and Chamber members

Past recipients include: Children's Homes of Cleveland County

Young Professional of the Year Award ~

Young Professional award recognizes the county's top young professionals within Cleveland County. Nominees are all in their 20s or 30s, active within their community, demonstrate leadership ability in the community and their current role, and offer a unique perspective.

• The nominee must be between the ages of 23 and 39 years old at the time of the nomination• Demonstrated leadership accomplishments in the community or business• Involved in a community or non‐profit organization• Actively pursuing excellence in their profession• Used unique and creative approaches to meet needs of the business and/or community

Past recipients include: Patrick McMurry of Holland & Hamrick Architects

Area’s fastest growing Small businesses named Emerging 5

Chamber of Commerce to honor area businesses for their achievements

This annual program recognizes the area's fastest and strongest growing small businesses for their exceptional

achievements in the area of business development. The 5 companies are selected for their contributions to the

region's economy and for how they have positioned themselves toward continued success. Nominated by their

peers and clients, the companies selected for this year’s award have demonstrated strength in the following key

areas:

Growth/Expansion

Innovation

Diversification

Response to adversity

Community aide/contributions

In business a minimum of three consecutive years

The Emerging 5 Awards are presented by the Cleveland County Chamber. The highest-ranking company of

those selected for this award will be named the Carson L. Fox Small Business/Entrepreneur of the Year at the

Annual Meeting & Banquet in January.

2019 EMERGING 5 Recipients:

***Paradise Landscaping

Chiropractic Health Associates

Fedyshyn CPA Group

Martin's Woodworking

Newgrass Brewing Company

**2019 Entrepreneur of the Year

EMERGING 5SMALL BUSINESSES OF THE YEAR

Please read through the award criteria on the next page to ensure that your nominee, or your company if self-

nominated, meets the criteria for the award. The information included on the application will be considered

confidential and will only be used by the panel of judges in their decision-making process.

Nomination deadline is JANUARY 1, 2020. Mail completed nomination form below to the Cleveland County Chamber, ATTN: ADRIAN HAMRICK, 200 S. Lafayette Street, Shelby NC 28150. Once the nomination is received, the nominated company will be contacted by the Cleveland County Chamber for further instructions.

NOMINATOR ______________________________________________________________________________

Business Address ____________________________________ City ___________________ Zip _________

Phone _________________ Fax _________________ E-mail _______________________________________

NOMINATED COMPANY _____________________________________________________________________

Owner/Principal(s) and Title(s): _______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Business Address ____________________________________ City ___________________ Zip _________

Phone _________________ Fax _________________ E-mail _______________________________________

Industry: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Give a brief description of the company’s products or services:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

For more information please contact Adrian Hamrick, 487.8521 or adrian@clevelandchamber.org

EMAIL COMPLETED FORM TO adrian@clevelandchamber.org

PLEASE FILL IN THIS SECTION TO NOMINATE A BUSINESS, OR SELF-NOMINATE YOUR

COMPANY, FOR THIS AWARD AND RETURN TO THE CLEVELAND COUNTY CHAMBER

BY JANUARY 1, 2020. A STAFF MEMBER WILL CONFIRM RECEIPT WITH NOMINEE AND NOMINATOR.

CLEVELAND COUNTY CHAMBER

Emerging 5 Small Business of the YearNomination Form

The spirit of the Small Business Awards is to recognize those businesses that have a history of outstanding business

practices in the Cleveland County community. This award is to honor the entrepreneurship, sustainability,

productivity and effort put forth in a small business.

Businesses must be:

- A Chamber member in good standing

- A for-profit venture

- Locally owned and privately held

- A company employing fewer than 200 full-time equivalent employees

- In business for a minimum of three consecutive years by current ownership

Nomination form is received by Cleveland County Chamber. Verification of receipt is relayed to nominated

organization by Chamber staff.

Application requires the following to be completed by nominated organization:

Current number of full time employees, including owners: _______________________________________________

This business is a ______Corporation ______Partnership ______Proprietorship

Year Established ________ Percentage of Business Owned ________

A brief history of the owner’s business career: ___________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Business, trade, professional associations and positions: _________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Civic/Service Associations, Positions, and Honors/Awards: _______________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR CRITERIA:

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Small Business of the Year Overview The Cleveland County Chamber’s Small Business of the Year Award is presented to the small business that has the greatest positive impact on the community.  The industry must be well rounded in successfully combining community involvement, business performance and a high standard of conduct into all areas of its operation. 

Eligibility The business must be physically located in Cleveland County.  (Businesses are only eligible to win once every five years.) 

Criteria The following criteria will be used to determine the Small Business of the Year. 

1. Must be a business located in Cleveland County with 50 employees or less.

2. Significant business achievements; industry awards, public recognition, other

achievement or recommendations.

3. Exhibits leadership in business and community affairs.

4. Innovative; shows creativity in business decisions or in development of specific products

or services.

5. Responds to business challenges and problems with effective solutions.

6. Participates in community affairs and activities contributing time, effort, and resources.

7. Active involvement in professional and/or trade associations.

8. Must be a member of the Cleveland County Chamber.

Nominations Small Businesses may be nominated by anyone residing or working in Cleveland County.   

The deadline for all nominations is January 1, 2020.  Mailed nominations must be postmarked by January 1, 2020.  All nominations may be submitted in person, email, or by mail.   

Cleveland County Chamber 200 S. Lafayette Street Shelby, NC  28152 adrian@clevelandchamber.org 

Cleveland County Small Business of the Year Application 

Company Name:  ________________________________________________________ 

Contact Person:  _________________________________________________________ 

Address:  _______________________________________________________________ 

_______________________________________________________________ 

Phone:  _____________________________    Email:  ________________________ 

Positive Impact: (Attach Additional Sheets If Needed)  

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

Community Involvement:  (Attach Additional Sheets If Needed)  

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

Business Performance:  (Attach Additional Sheets If Needed)  

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

Business Achievements:  (Attach Additional Sheets If Needed) 

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________ 

Name of Person Completing this Form:  _____________________________________ 

Address:  _______________________________________________________________ 

_______________________________________________________________ 

Phone:  _____________________________    Email:  ________________________ 

Signature:  ______________________________________________________________ 

Return Application To: 

Cleveland County Chamber 

200 S. Lafayette St. 

Shelby, NC 28152 

adrian@clevelandchamber.org 

All applications must be received or postmarked by January 1, 2020. Please address questions to Adrian Hamrick at 704‐487‐8521. 

Nomination forms must be completed and returned by January 1, 2020 to adrian@clevelandchamber.org

JEAN BETTIS STAFF AWARD

This award was established by Cleveland County Chamber to pay tribute annually to a staff member whose corporate loyalty and attitude have made an important and constant contribution to their organization’s transitions and growth. The Inaugural Award was presented in 1997, to Jean Bettis, Office Manager of Cleveland County Chamber, recognizing 40 years of loyalty and service. Nominate your employee for the award by January 1, 2020. The award will be presented during the annual banquet in January.

NOMINATION FORM

NOMINEE:_________________________JOB TITLE________________________________________

EMPLOYER (Chamber Membership required of employer):____________________________________

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION:

1) Number of years with company (10 year minimum)________________________________________

2) How has this person grown in their position?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3) How have they demonstrated a willingness to accept added responsibility?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4) How have they worked to stay up with technology?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5) Training completed:_________________________________________________________________

Nominated by :__________________Position_______________________Phone__________________

Deadline for nominations: January 1, 2020 Mail: Support Staff Award Nominations

200 S. Lafayette St. Shelby, NC 28150

Email: adrian@clevelandchamber.org

Non-Profit of the Year Award:

The Non‐Profit of the Year Award is a new Chamber community involvement award recognizing non‐profit companies whose mission directly supports the business community. This prestigious award is presented to an organization that exemplifies best practices in nonprofit management and professional development and makes a profound difference in the lives of the citizens of Cleveland County. 

Criteria: The following criteria will be used to determine the Non‐Profit of the Year. 

1. Nominee has made a meaningful accomplishment in the past five years thathas impacted Cleveland County and its citizens.

2. Nominee develops and fosters the virtues and skills of civic engagementand social responsibility within their community.

3. Organization's conduct must be above reproach regarding ethics, quality,service, and the development of its human resources.

4. Nominations will be accepted from the general public and Chambermembers

The deadline for all nominations is January 1, 2020.  Mailed nominations must be postmarked by January 1, 2020.  Nominations may be submitted in person, email, or by mail.  

Return Application To:  Cleveland County Chamber  200 S. Lafayette St.  Shelby, NC 28152  adrian@clevelandchamber.org  Please address questions to Adrian Hamrick at 704‐487‐8521. 

Non-Profit of the Year Award Application

Company Name: ____________________________________________________  

Contact Person:  ____________________________________________________  

Address:  __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________  

Phone:  _______________________      Email:  ____________________________ 

1.Please state the company’s vision/mission statement_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. How has the nominee demonstrated the ability to respond to opportunitiesand challenges?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. List community/business involvement activities and accomplishments over thelast five years._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Why do you think this company should receive the award?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name of Person Completing this Form: ___________________________________ Phone:  ________________________    Email:  ____________________________ Signature:  _________________________________________________________  

Young Professional of the Year Award:

Young Professional award recognizes the county's top young professionals within Cleveland County. Nominees are all in their 20s or 30s, active within their community, demonstrate leadership ability in the community and their current role, and offer a unique perspective.

Criteria: The following criteria will be used to determine the Young Professional of the Year. 

1. The nominee must be between the ages of 23 and 39 years old at the time ofthe nomination

2. Demonstrated leadership accomplishments in the community or business

3. Involved in a community or non‐profit organization

4. Actively pursuing excellence in their profession

5. Used unique and creative approaches to meet needs of the business and/orcommunity.

The deadline for all nominations is January 1, 2020.  Mailed nominations must be postmarked by January 1, 2020.  All nominations may be submitted in person, email, or by mail.  

Return Application To:  Cleveland County Chamber  200 S. Lafayette St.  Shelby, NC 28152  adrian@clevelandchamber.org  Please address questions to Adrian Hamrick at 704‐487‐8521. 

Young Professional of the Year Award Application

Company Name: _________________________________________________________  

Contact Person:  _________________________________________________________  

Address:  _______________________________________________________________ 

Phone:  _______________________      Email:  _________________________________ 

1. Please describe the nominee’s accomplishments, such as demonstration ofmanagement, leadership, and/or innovation in the workplace.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Please describe the nominee’s leadership role in the business sector and any personalcharacteristics emphasizing integrity and fair business practice.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. What participation, involvement, or leadership role has the nominee held in theircommunity?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Please provide any additional information that would be helpful to the selectioncommittee, such as biographical information and length of time you have been with thisbusiness and in this profession.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. What sets the nominee apart from other professionals in the area?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name of Person Completing this Form: ____________________________________ Phone:  ________________________    Email:  ______________________________ Signature:  __________________________________________________________