2016 All-Stars in Business Awards Gala: Awards Application

Every year the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce hosts an Awards Gala to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of our members in a variety of capacities.

OVERVIEW OF AWARDS

Innovation through Technology Award is presented to the business that introduced innovative technology into the business place that broke new ground in their field and demonstrated some successful impact. This award is available to both technology providers and consumers. International Business Achievement Award is presented to the business that increased business agility, provided world-class solutions to companies and transformed themselves into a successful global enterprise, while increasing the international profile of the community. Excellence in People Development Award is presented to the business that shows commitment to people development and empowering their workforce to increase their productivity through well-conceived training and creative Human Resources practices. The Green Award is presented to the forward-thinking business that creates environmentally sustainable products or services; or those with revolutionary green business plans and proposals; showing excellence in innovative environmental businesses, products and services. The Community Advocate Award is presented to a business that has exemplified the ideals of citizenship through a specific community service program that promotes community-business relations and contributes to the positive development of the community. This award recognizes programs that are created and managed from within the organization. Nonprofit of the Year Award is presented to the organization that demonstrates superior performance, quality and consistency in the pursuit of its mission. Any tax exempt organization is available for this award. Bridge Builder Award is presented to a business or organization demonstrating exceptional performance in collaboration between students from area educational institutions and area businesses or workplaces. The award recognizes student workforce development opportunities such as internships, mentoring programs, job shadowing, or apprenticeships. Young Professional Achievement Award (new this year) is presented to a young professional (30 and under) who has demonstrated exemplary professional accomplishments and has a proven commitment to his or her professional development through leadership, academics, and/or volunteerism.

AWARD TIMELINE AT A GLANCEThursday, January 21, 2016 Award Application Submission Deadline

Monday, January 25, 2016 Out for Judges Review (Five judges from across the nation who rank and report back to the Twin Cities North Chamber)

Thursday, February 25, 2016 All-Stars in Business Awards Gala 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the National Sports Center, Blaine

CONTACT FOR QUESTIONSSamantha RubinMarketing and Events Manager(763) 571-9781 srubin@twincitiesnorth.org

2016 All-Stars in Business Awards Gala: Awards Application

AWARD SUBMISSION PROCESS

Which organizations may participate?The award categories are diverse, yet detailed enough, that all members of the Chamber should be able to apply for an award. None of the awards are based on size of company, or strictly on revenues, so a small and big business can both be considered. How do organizations benefit from applying for the Award?Each applicant organization receives benefit by taking a moment to reflect on their business successes over the past year. The Awards program is simply a way to celebrate that success and to share it amongst members of the Chamber. How are award recipients selected?Similar to Instant Run-Off Voting, a team of five Chamber Executive Directors from across the nation will receive the applications and will rank the applications in each category. Then Chamber staff and the non-award applying Gala Planning Task Force members will tabulate the results. All applicants will be recognized at the Gala and winners are announced. A company may request to see the tabulations the next business day after the awards program. Are the identity of applying organizations and the information in their applications made public?All award applicants will be recognized at the 2016 Gala on Thursday, February 25 at the National Sports Center in Blaine. What is expected of Award recipients?Proprietary information should not be entered into the award application as the information on the award application, and specifically the success stories on the applications will be public information. We would then request that all applicants send a few representatives to the 2016 Gala. How much does it cost to apply?There is no fee to apply! A vital role the Chamber has within the community is to assist with, recognize, and display the successes of its member companies. Can an organization apply more than once?Absolutely! However, an organization cannot apply for more than two award categories, and cannot apply for a category if they won that category in the previous year. How do organizations apply?A separate application portfolio should be created for each category selected, using the outline on the next page. Please complete the top portion of the form and then use a separate page(s) to address the Marketing and Assessment questions. Please keep this document for your records. How should I format the application?To help ensure equal treatment for all applicants, format your application (PER EACH CATEGORY) according to the following requirements. Should any parts of the application be missing, applicants will be dismissed from the running. This is your opportunity to shine and share your accomplishments so take your time! Number of Applications:Submit five copies of the application package. Those application packages will then be sent to the five judges.

Paper Size: 8.5 by 11 inches Page Limits: Page 1: Company Information; Page 2 & 3: Why you deserve the award; Page 4: Any supplemental materialSubmittal: To be considered for a 2016 Award, submit your Application Portfolio on or before January 21, 2016 to:

Twin Cities North Chamber of Commercec/o Award Admission

1835 County Road C, Suite 22Roseville, MN 55113

2016 All-Stars in Business Awards Gala: Awards Application

BUSINESS NAME      

FIRST NAME       LAST NAME      JOB TITLE      PHONE NUMBER       EMAIL ADDRESS      

COMPANY’S MISSION AND VISION      

CHECK AWARD YOU ARE APPLYING FOR(NOTE YOU NEED TO COMPLETE ONE APPLICATION PER EACH AWARD SUBMISSION)

Innovation through Technology Award Community Advocate Award

International Business Achievement Award Excellence in People Development Award

Non-Profit of the Year Award Bridge Builder Award

Green Award Young Professional Award

Please complete the following sections on separate pages.

MARKETING INFORMATION

In 100 words or less, introduce your company and your reasons for deserving the award. This paragraph will be used for marketing purposes before, during, and after the event.

AWARD ASSESSMENT

Write your story as to why your company should receive an award in the category you are submitting for.Please do not exceed 2 pages. Charts, pictures and other visuals are great; please include with your application as needed.

The judges will focus mainly on this story for judging.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Besides the application portfolio, you can also submit one additional supplemental piece along with the application. A company brochure is an example. Supplemental sections must be sent with your application.

We cannot guarantee that the judges will review the supplemental material.

Award Application Submission Deadline: Thursday, January 21, 2016

Questions? Please contact: Samantha Rubin, Marketing and Events Manager ● (763) 571-9781 ● srubin@twincitiesnorth.org