We are proud to recognize the highest levels of achievement in our business community.
Business Person of the Year Award
Description
Presented to an individual in an ownership or management position who exemplifies visionary business management, proactive employee and customer relations, a commitment to strengthening diversity and inclusion, and a dedication to community service.
Requirements
Must be a member in good standing with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Describe how you exemplify visionary business management. | 20.0% |
| Describe how you provide leadership to your employees, colleagues, partners or clients. What proactive approaches do you take to inspire, mentor, and/or nurture a new emerging leader for the future? | 20.0% |
| What new initiatives or unique approaches have you taken for growth, innovation or positive change to your business? | 20.0% |
| What steps have you taken to strengthen diversity and inclusion in your organization and the community at large? | 20.0% |
| Outline your involvement in organizations, charities or boards that work to make Thunder Bay a better place. | 20.0% |
Customer Service Award
Description
Presented to a business or organization that is committed to high standards of customer service. This business or organization delivers exceptional service in their dealings with customers and educates and encourages their staff to improve and excel in matters of customer relations. This business or organization also strives to improve the customer experience through communications, problem solving and innovation.
Requirements
Must be a member in good standing with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Describe how your business delivers exceptional customer service. | 30.0% |
| Describe the training that your employees receive on the importance of maintaining a high standard of customer service. | 30.0% |
| What initiatives or innovative ideas does your company practice to improve the customer experience within your business? | 30.0% |
| Submit 3 testimonials in the form of written or photographed documentation. | 10.0% |
Equity Diversity and Inclusion Award
Description
This award celebrates individuals, organizations, or partnerships that have shown exceptional dedication to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, especially for those who historically have been under-represented (women, visible/racialized minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+). It honours those who have successfully implemented innovative practices and initiatives that break down barriers, promote fairness, and ensure that everyone feels welcomed and valued. Award recipients are recognized for their leadership in advocating for social justice, driving meaningful change, and/or inspiring others to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in their professional and community endeavours.
Requirements
Must be a member in good standing.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Describe the specific DEI initiatives or programs you have led or been involved in. How do these initiatives address specific DEI challenges within your organization or the community? | 25.0% |
| What measurable outcomes or changes have resulted from your DEI efforts? Provide examples of how your initiatives have had a positive impact. | 25.0% |
| How have you demonstrated leadership in promoting DEI within your organization or the community? | 25.0% |
| What challenges have you or your organization faced in your DEI work, and how have you overcome them? | 25.0% |
Game Changer Award
Description
The Game Changer Award is presented to an individual, business, organization, or partnership that introduces new offerings, breakthrough solutions, or a revolutionary approach that enhances our lives and challenges the status quo. Through their collaborative efforts, they inspire Thunder Bay leaders and businesses to think differently about how they serve their clients, employees, and community. This can be a single nomination or joint nomination. (submitted only once, naming all partners)
Requirements
Must be a member(s) in good standing with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| What new offerings or breakthrough ideas have you implemented for the betterment of your business, employees, or our community. | 50.0% |
| What collaborative efforts have you made with people, partners, and other organizations to inspire leaders and businesses to think differently? | 25.0% |
| How do you plan to continue to inspire future leaders and businesses? | 25.0% |
Large Business Excellence Award (50+ Employees)
Description
Presented to a business that exhibits true business excellence. This business has advanced in economic and/or financial growth through sales/earnings and financial management. They excel in customer service, are a leader in employment creation, diversity and inclusion, seek to continuously improve employee relations, are prominently involved in community affairs and demonstrate a commitment to quality in their operations.
Requirements
Must be in business for more than 4 years. (prior to January 1, 2021)
Must be a member in good standing with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.
50+ Employees.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| How has your business diversified, expanded in economic or financial growth over the last year? (January – December 2024) | 20.0% |
| In what ways does your business provide exemplary customer/client service? | 20.0% |
| What has your company done to create job opportunities and provide a progressive and positive employee environment with diversity and inclusion? | 20.0% |
| Outline the involvement that your company and its employees have in community activities that make Thunder Bay a better place to live. | 20.0% |
| Outline the processes and policies used by your organization to monitor quality performance. | 20.0% |
Looking Good Award
Description
Presented to a business/organization that has completed renovations or restored a property or building that already exists, incorporating green building practices and making a positive impact on its surrounding community.
Requirements
Project must have been completed within the last 2 years. (January 2023-December 2024)
Must be a member in good standing with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Give a brief overview of the type of improvements that have been made to the property. | 30.0% |
| Indicate the green building practices that were incorporated into the project. | 30.0% |
| Explain how the improvement of the property has had a positive impact on the surrounding community and benefited your customers and staff. | 30.0% |
| Provide before and after photos of the property that highlight the improvements that have been made. | 10.0% |
Medium Business Excellence Award (11 – 49 Employees)
Description
Presented to a business that exhibits true business excellence. This business has advanced in economic and/or financial growth through sales/earnings and financial management. They excel in customer service, are a leader in employment creation, diversity and inclusion, seek to continuously improve employee relations, are prominently involved in community affairs and demonstrate a commitment to quality in their operations.
Requirements
Must be in business for more than 4 years. (prior to January 1, 2021)
Must be a member in good standing with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.
11 – 49 Employees.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| How has your business diversified, expanded in economic or financial growth over the last year? (January – December 2024) | 20.0% |
| In what ways does your business provide exemplary customer/client service? | 20.0% |
| What has your company done to create job opportunities and provide a progressive and positive employee environment with diversity and inclusion? | 20.0% |
| Outline the involvement that your company and its employees have in community activities that make Thunder Bay a better place to live. | 20.0% |
| Outline the processes and policies used by your organization to monitor quality performance. | 20.0% |
New Business Excellence Award
Description
Presented to a new locally owned business that has demonstrated innovation, vision, employment creation, and business growth prospects.
Requirements
Must be in operation for at least one year but within four years (January 2021 – December 2024).
Must be a member in good standing with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| How has your company shown business growth through sales figures and/or diversification and expansion of products and services since its inception? | 30.0% |
| In what ways does your company strive to show innovation within its sector as well as strive to fulfill its vision, mission and goals? | 25.0% |
| In what ways does your business provide exemplary customer/client service? | 25.0% |
| What has your company done to create job opportunities, and provide a progressive and positive employee environment with diversity and inclusion? | 20.0% |
Not for Profit Excellence Award
Description
This award is presented to a not-for-profit organization that exemplifies excellence and innovation in their programs, projects, and partnerships. Their commitment to growth and expanded programs, as well as service, community involvement, sustainable practices and/or job creation/development, demonstrates a dedicated focus on achieving their vision and mandate.
Requirements
Must be a member in good standing with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| How has your not-for-profit organization grown or expanded in its programs, projects, and/or partnerships over the last year? | 25.0% |
| In what ways does your organization provide exemplary client service to your community? | 25.0% |
| What has your organization done to expand job opportunities and provide a positive employee work environment with diversity and inclusion? | 25.0% |
| Outline the efforts that your organization and its employees have made to increase community involvement and education for your organization in achieving its vision and/or mandate. | 25.0% |
Quality of Life Award
Description
Presented to a business or organization for outstanding contribution to the quality of life of a person, group, or organization in our community.
Requirements
Must be a member in good standing with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Describe how your business/organization and/or employees go beyond day to day activities to make an outstanding contribution to the quality of life of another person, group or organization in Thunder Bay. | 50.0% |
| What has your company done to create volunteer opportunities and provide a progressive and positive employee environment? | 25.0% |
| Outline any sponsorship (cash or ‘in-kind' donation) your company and/or its employees have made that make Thunder Bay a better place to live. | 20.0% |
| Submit 2 testimonials in the form of written or photographed documentation. | 5.0% |
Small Business Excellence Award (1 – 10 Employees)
Description
Presented to a business that exhibits true business excellence. This business has advanced in economic and/or financial growth through sales/earnings and financial management. They excel in customer service, are a leader in employment creation, diversity and inclusion, seek to continuously improve employee relations, are prominently involved in community affairs and demonstrate a commitment to quality in their operations.
Requirements
Must be in business for more than 4 years. (prior to January 1, 2021)
Must be a member in good standing with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.
1 – 10 Employees.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| How has your business diversified, expanded in economic or financial growth over the last year? (January – December 2024) | 20.0% |
| In what ways does your business provide exemplary customer/client service? | 20.0% |
| What has your company done to create job opportunities and provide a progressive and positive employee environment with diversity and inclusion? | 20.0% |
| Outline the involvement that your company and its employees have in community activities that make Thunder Bay a better place to live. | 20.0% |
| Outline the processes and policies used by your organization to monitor quality performance. | 20.0% |
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Description
Presented to the owner of a company that has been in business for at least 2 years and is 39 years of age or younger (as of Dec 31, 2024). This person exemplifies innovative business skills, proactive employee and customer relations, and community leadership.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Describe how you exemplify leadership and vision in your community. | 30.0% |
| Describe how you provide leadership to your employees, colleagues, partners, or clients. What proactive approaches do you take to inspire, mentor, promote diversity and inclusion, and/or nurture emerging leaders for the future? | 30.0% |
| What new initiatives or unique approaches have you taken to growth, innovation or positive change in your business? | 20.0% |
| To make Thunder Bay a better place, what organizations, charities, or boards have you been involved in and in what capacity? | 20.0% |
