Small Business of the Year

Company must have fewer than 100 employees, been in business for at least two years (less than two – see New Business award criteria), and have a physical presence in eastern CT. The following should be considered in your nomination:

• Community involvement and collaboration
• Preservation of skills and/or product in Connecticut
• Commitment to customer service

Business of the Year

Company must have more than 100 employees, been in business for at least two years (less than two – see New Business award criteria), and have a physical presence in eastern CT. The following should be considered in your nomination:

• Number of people employed in Connecticut; opportunities provided for professional and personal development
• Community involvement, support, and collaboration
• Preservation of skills and/or product in Connecticut
• Innovative, green, or other progressive business practices

Community Revitalization Leader

This award recognizes a business/project that has made a tangible difference in the local community through specific efforts. The following should be considered in your nomination:

• Expense and size of project
• Employment generated, or potential
• Preservation of existing infrastructure and impact on environment
• Positive impact on the surrounding community

Non-profit of the Year

A 501c3 or c6 organization that provides a valued service with a physical presence in eastern CT. The following should be considered in your nomination:

• Initiatives that make eastern CT a better place to live
• Programs unique to your organization
• Opportunities for growth and development of staff or volunteers

Best Place to Work

A workplace that demonstrates an exceedingly positive corporate culture for its employees, including but not limited to:

• Healthy work-life balance for employees
• Employing green/innovative practices
• Atmosphere of diversity and inclusion
• Opportunities for employee growth, training, development
• Community involvement

Tourism Leader of the Year

A business that has demonstrated excellence in the region’s tourism industry through:

• Commitment to superior customer service and staff knowledge/training
• Annual growth %
• Efforts to expand and diversify products or services
• Tourism advocacy and community involvement