Employer of the Year
Description
This award goes to a business or organization that has demonstrated exceptional commitment, excellence, and innovation in creating a positive and supportive work environment for its employees.
Requirements
- You may nominate any business (brick and mortar, home-based, or services) with their main operations and/or head office located within Mission or the surrounding region (Silverdale to Deroche).
- You may nominate as many businesses as you like but each requires its own nomination form.
- Each business can be nominated in up to three categories. If a business in nominated in more than three categories, they will be asked which three they want to compete in.
- Businesses must qualify for the categories requiring specific details (1-20 employees, 20+ employees, youth entrepreneur, non-profit or charity).
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Description of Business | 5.0% |
| Why is it important to your business to create a positive and supportive work environment for your employees? | 20.0% |
| Describe how your business goes above and beyond in fostering a culture of employee well-being, professional growth, and job satisfaction. | 25.0% |
| Have you received any acknowledgment, awards, or recognition in the past 2 to 3 years because of your level of service? | 10.0% |
| Do you provide opportunities for employee learning, skill development, or career advancement, and if so, how do you encourage participation? | 10.0% |
| How do you recognize and celebrate employee contributions, achievements, or milestones in ways that are meaningful to your team? | 15.0% |
| How do you ensure a safe workplace while also supporting work-life balance and flexibility for your employees? | 10.0% |
| Are there any other details you'd like the judges to know? | 5.0% |
Business Leader of the Year
Description
This award goes to a business leader who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to community involvement and collaboration, and in doing so has made significant contributions to the wellbeing of the Mission business community.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Leadership Overview & Philosophy | 10.0% |
| Community Involvement | 20.0% |
| Collaboration & Partnerships | 20.0% |
| Supporting Local Business & Economic Development | 10.0% |
| Innovation & Problem-Solving | 10.0% |
| Mentorship and Capacity-Building | 15.0% |
| Recognition and Impact | 10.0% |
| Vision for the Future | 5.0% |
Customer Service Excellence
Description
This award is presented to a business or organization that exemplifies superior customer service and care. They demonstrate outstanding customer retention and exceptional knowledge of their products and/or services, all the while exceeding their customers' expectations repeatedly.
Requirements
- You may nominate any business (brick and mortar, home-based, or services) with their main operations and/or head office located within Mission or the surrounding region (Silverdale to Deroche).
- You may nominate as many businesses as you like but each requires its own nomination form.
- Each business can be nominated in up to three categories. If a business in nominated in more than three categories, they will be asked which three they want to compete in.
- Businesses must qualify for the categories requiring specific details (1-20 employees, 20+ employees, youth entrepreneur, non-profit or charity).
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Description of Business | 5.0% |
| How would you describe your approach or philosophy to customer service, and how is it communicated and reinforced with your team? | 20.0% |
| Describe the customer service training that your employees obtain. | 25.0% |
| Have you received any acknowledgment, awards, or recognition in the past 2 to 3 years because of your level of service? | 10.0% |
| Can you provide examples of how your organization goes above and beyond to exceed customer expectations, not just meet them? | 10.0% |
| How do you gather customer feedback (formal or informal), and how has that feedback led to meaningful changes or improvements? | 15.0% |
| How do you respond when something goes wrong or a customer is dissatisfied, and how do you turn those situations into positive outcomes? | 10.0% |
| Are there any other details you'd like the judges to know? | 5.0% |
Home-Based Business of the Year
Description
This award is designed to recognize the efforts of home-based businesses. The winning business may have excellent customer service, a great product/service, or innovative marketing efforts.
Requirements
- You may nominate any business (brick and mortar, home-based, or services) with their main operations and/or head office located within Mission or the surrounding region (Silverdale to Deroche).
- You may nominate as many businesses as you like but each requires its own nomination form.
- Each business can be nominated in up to three categories. If a business in nominated in more than three categories, they will be asked which three they want to compete in.
- Businesses must qualify for the categories requiring specific details (1-20 employees, 20+ employees, youth entrepreneur, non-profit or charity).
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Description of Business | 5.0% |
| What makes your product or service stand out in terms of quality, value, or uniqueness, and how do you ensure consistency while working from a home-based setting? | 20.0% |
| How do you deliver excellent customer service as a home-based business, and what feedback have you received from customers? | 20.0% |
| Have you received any acknowledgment, awards, or recognition in the past 2 to 3 years because of your level of service? | 10.0% |
| How have you used creativity or innovation to grow or differentiate your business (e.g., in operations, offerings, or customer engagement)? | 15.0% |
| How has your business grown or evolved over time? | 15.0% |
| What challenges have you faced as a home-based business, and how have you adapted or problem-solved to overcome them? | 10.0% |
| Are there any other details you'd like the judges to know? | 5.0% |
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Description
The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Award honors organizations deeply committed to diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces. It recognizes those fostering respect, empowerment, and equal growth opportunities, going beyond mere recognition of diversity's value.
Requirements
- You may nominate any business (brick and mortar, home-based, or services) with their main operations and/or head office located within Mission or the surrounding region (Silverdale to Deroche).
- You may nominate as many businesses as you like but each requires its own nomination form.
- Each business can be nominated in up to three categories. If a business in nominated in more than three categories, they will be asked which three they want to compete in.
- Businesses must qualify for the categories requiring specific details (1-20 employees, 20+ employees, youth entrepreneur, non-profit or charity).
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Description of Business | 5.0% |
| What concrete actions, policies, or practices demonstrate your organization's commitment to DEI beyond statements or intentions? | 20.0% |
| How do you foster a workplace culture where employees and/or volunteers feel respected, safe, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work? | 20.0% |
| Have you received any acknowledgment, awards, or recognition in the past 2 to 3 years because of your level of service? | 10.0% |
| How do you ensure fairness and equity in recruitment, onboarding, compensation, and opportunities for growth or advancement? | 15.0% |
| What steps have you taken to reduce barriers and increase accessibility in your workplace, programs, services, or physical/digital environments? | 15.0% |
| How do you assess the effectiveness of your DEI efforts, and how have you adapted your approach based on feedback or outcomes? | 10.0% |
| Are there any other details you'd like the judges to know? | 5.0% |
Business of the Year (21+ Employees)
Description
This award is presented to a business with 21 or more employees that exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit and vision, exceptional leadership with new products, services, or processes. This is a business that is recognized by their peers for their competitive edge, professional integrity, excellence in customer service, and their success.
Requirements
- You may nominate any business (brick and mortar, home-based, or services) with their main operations and/or head office located within Mission or the surrounding region (Silverdale to Deroche).
- You may nominate as many businesses as you like but each requires its own nomination form.
- Each business can be nominated in up to three categories. If a business in nominated in more than three categories, they will be asked which three they want to compete in.
- Businesses must qualify for the categories requiring specific details (1-20 employees, 20+ employees, youth entrepreneur, non-profit or charity).
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Number of employees | 5.0% |
| Description of Business | 5.0% |
| How do you consistently deliver value to your customers or clients, and how is this reflected in customer retention, growth, or reputation? | 20.0% |
| What innovations or improvements have you implemented in your products, services, processes, or technology to stay competitive and relevant? | 15.0% |
| Have you received any acknowledgment, awards, or recognition in the past 2 to 3 years because of your level of service? | 10.0% |
| How does your organization contribute to the local community—through employment, partnerships, volunteering, sponsorships, or leadership? | 15.0% |
| How has your organization responded to challenges or change (economic, workforce, supply chain, regulatory, etc.), and what have you learned? | 15.0% |
| What achievement best represents your organization's impact and success, and how does it position you for continued leadership in the years ahead? | 10.0% |
| Are there any other details you'd like the judges to know? | 5.0% |
Business of the Year (1-20 Employees)
Description
This award is presented to a business with 1-20 employees that exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit and vision, exceptional leadership with new products, services, or processes. This is a business that is recognized by their peers for their competitive edge, professional integrity, excellence in customer service, and their success.
Requirements
- You may nominate any business (brick and mortar, home-based, or services) with their main operations and/or head office located within Mission or the surrounding region (Silverdale to Deroche).
- You may nominate as many businesses as you like but each requires its own nomination form.
- Each business can be nominated in up to three categories. If a business in nominated in more than three categories, they will be asked which three they want to compete in.
- Businesses must qualify for the categories requiring specific details (1-20 employees, 20+ employees, youth entrepreneur, non-profit or charity).
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Number of employees | 5.0% |
| Description of Business | 5.0% |
| How do you consistently deliver value to your customers or clients, and how is this reflected in customer retention, growth, or reputation? | 20.0% |
| How do you maintain quality, efficiency, and professionalism while managing limited resources and multiple responsibilities? | 15.0% |
| Have you received any acknowledgment, awards, or recognition in the past 2 to 3 years because of your level of service? | 10.0% |
| How does your business support or engage with the local community, industry, or other small businesses? | 15.0% |
| How has your business adapted to challenges or changes, and what strengths have helped you remain resilient? | 15.0% |
| What achievement best represents your organization's impact and success, and how does it position you for continued leadership in the years ahead? | 10.0% |
| Are there any other details you'd like the judges to know? | 5.0% |
Charity or Non-Profit Organization of the Year
Description
This award goes to a registered society active in the local community by positively contributing to the social, cultural, or economic well-being of the Mission area. This organization shows leadership and demonstrates active collaboration by maintaining a good relationship with their internal and external partners.
Requirements
- You may nominate any business (brick and mortar, home-based, or services) with their main operations and/or head office located within Mission or the surrounding region (Silverdale to Deroche).
- You may nominate as many businesses as you like but each requires its own nomination form.
- Each business can be nominated in up to three categories. If a business in nominated in more than three categories, they will be asked which three they want to compete in.
- Businesses must qualify for the categories requiring specific details (1-20 employees, 20+ employees, youth entrepreneur, non-profit or charity).
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Charitable status | 5.0% |
| Description of Organization | 5.0% |
| What measurable impact or outcomes has your organization achieved over the past 12 - 18 months? | 20.0% |
| How does your organization engage with the local community, stakeholders, or other organizations to amplify impact? | 20.0% |
| Have you received any acknowledgment, awards, or recognition in the past 2 to 3 years because of your level of service? | 10.0% |
| How do you support, motivate, and recognize your staff and/or volunteers, ensuring they feel valued and empowered? | 10.0% |
| How do you ensure responsible financial management and long-term sustainability while delivering on your mission? | 15.0% |
| What accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what is your vision for your organization's future growth or impact? | 10.0% |
| Are there any other details you'd like the judges to know? | 5.0% |
Youth Entrepreneur of the Year (34 & under)
Description
This award recognizes the outstanding achievement of an individual aged 34 or younger, who has successfully built their organization or is employed within a professional environment. This person has gained an expanding positive reputation and strong interpersonal, career, and business potential within the community.
Requirements
- You may nominate any business (brick and mortar, home-based, or services) with their main operations and/or head office located within Mission or the surrounding region (Silverdale to Deroche).
- You may nominate as many businesses as you like but each requires its own nomination form.
- Each business can be nominated in up to three categories. If a business in nominated in more than three categories, they will be asked which three they want to compete in.
- Businesses must qualify for the categories requiring specific details (1-20 employees, 20+ employees, youth entrepreneur, non-profit or charity).
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Age | 5.0% |
| Entrepreneurial Journey | 5.0% |
| How have you introduced innovative ideas, products, services, or approaches in your work or business? | 15.0% |
| How do you demonstrate leadership, take initiative, and inspire others within your organization or team? | 15.0% |
| Have you received any acknowledgment, awards, or recognition in the past 2 to 3 years because of your level of service? | 10.0% |
| What challenges have you faced as a young entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them? | 10.0% |
| What is your vision for the future of your business or career, and how do you see yourself contributing to your community or industry in the years ahead? | 15.0% |
| What is your vision for the future of your business or career, and how do you see yourself contributing to your community or industry in the years ahead? | 10.0% |
| How have you contributed positively to your community, industry, or network through your business or professional activities? | 10.0% |
| Are there any other details you'd like the judges to know? | 5.0% |
