GWNC Chamber seeks 2014 Business of the Year nominations

WATERTOWN, N.Y. — The Greater Watertown-North Country (GWNC) Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its annual business-recognition awards.

They include the 2014 Business of the Year Awards; the 2014 Entrepreneurial Award; and the 2014 Farm & Craft Market Vendor of the Year.

The chamber will announce the recipients at the 2014 Business of the Year Awards presentation and annual meeting luncheon on March 5 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Savory Downtown in Watertown.

Application forms are available by contacting the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce at 1291 Faichney Drive, Ste. 1 or online at www.watertownny.com.

Applications are due by Feb. 9 at 4:00 p.m., the chamber said.

The chamber presents the Business of the Year Award to companies that are able to demonstrate outstanding leadership and vision, successful performance, and substantial growth, and “who are able to serve as an inspiration to other businesses,” the chamber said in a news release.

The award is designed to recognize and reward Jefferson County businesses that have invested in the region and created economic success in the Greater Watertown area.

The competition has four categories, which include For Profit Business with 50 or fewer employees; For Profit Business with more than 50 employees; Non-profit/Not-for-profit with 50 or fewer employees; and Non-profit/Not-for-profit with more than 50 employees, the chamber said.

To be eligible for the Business of the Year Award, the nominee must be a member in good standing of the GWNC Chamber of Commerce and have been in business in Jefferson County for at least three years.

The nominee must demonstrate staying power and sound financial position; “significant” contributions to local economic growth; “exceptional” customer service; a commitment to workforce development; involvement in professional, business, and/or trade associations; and contributions to the community.

The Entrepreneurial Award seeks to recognize a new business created and located in Jefferson County that has experienced growth in employment and sales.

To be eligible for the Entrepreneurial Award, companies must be established and located in Jefferson County with operations for at least two years but not more than four years.

A nominee is also expected to offer “specific” examples indicating it is implementing a business plan, resulting in “effective” growth for the business, the organization said.

The chamber doesn’t require membership to consider a nominee for this award.

The nominee must demonstrate a business plan, products and services, marketing and sales, and “measured” growth.

The Vendor of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding vendor for work and accomplishments related to the Greater Watertown-North Country Farm and Craft Market, held Wednesdays on Washington Street.

To be eligible for the Farm & Craft Market Vendor of the Year Award, vendors must have participated in the 2014 season and have been a vendor at the market for at least three consecutive years.

Vendors may nominate themselves or another market vendor. Nominees do not need to be a chamber member.

Nominees should also cite examples of customer service, leadership, quality, and professional and community involvement.

A committee consisting of a “diverse group” of business leaders will select the recipients for all three awards, the chamber said.