Chamber Seeks Nominations for Annual Summit Awards

The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its fifth annual
Summit Awards. The winners will be recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting breakfast
on March 11, 2010 at Ceresville Mansion.

The awards recognize member businesses and organizations of any size, in a variety of categories. To be eligible, nominees must be Chamber members in good standing for at least two years and must submit a nomination package to the Chamber by Monday, February 8, 2010. Members of the community are encouraged to nominate their favorite business for a Summit Award. This year, it’s easier than ever: The PDF nomination form is available online at frederickchamber.org, and includes a section for nominating a business other than your own. Businesses and organizations may also nominate themselves. A business may be nominated in multiple categories, but may be recognized in only one category. Nominating another business takes only a couple of minutes. Preparing a nomination packet on behalf of your own business should take no more than 30 minutes.

Nominations may be submitted in the following categories:

At Your Service Award – Awarded to a Frederick County retail or service business for making its store, office location, or web site a destination for an increasing number of customers; undertaking actions that generate customer loyalty and satisfaction; and bringing positive recognition to Frederick County.

Entrepreneurial Award – Awarded to a Frederick County business with fewer than 50 employees that has increased employment and/or production and/or introduced an innovative product or service.

Innovation Award – Awarded to a Frederick County business whose innovation has produced a measurable increase in sales, product quality, and profitability.

Made in Frederick County Award – Awarded to a business that makes or assembles a product in Frederick County. Judging criteria shall include demonstrated product quality, increased production, and sales growth.

Workforce Development Award – Awarded to a private sector employer that has consistently made workforce development a priority by offering its Frederick County employees training and education opportunities, or by investing money or other resources in local programs that positively affect local workforce development.

Partner in Business Award (nonprofits only) – Awarded to a nonprofit organization that strives to make Frederick County a better place by developing effective partnerships within the business community.

Nomination forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce, 8420-B Gas House Pike, Frederick, and online at frederickchamber.org. To request a form, or to register for the Annual Meeting breakfast, call 301-662-4164 x 201.

For more information about the Summit Awards and other Chamber programs, contact Jessica Hibbard, Communications Director, at 301-662-0745 or jhibbard@frederickchamber.org.