Frequently Asked Questions

why should i submit a nomination?

Nominating your own business or another local business or business leader has always been a great way to recognize the outstanding business community we have here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Celebrating the recent merger of the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, our theme for 2023 is, “The 2022 Business Excellence Awards…because in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, excellence is all around us!”

Check out the many benefits of submitting a nomination in this quick video, or on our About the Awards and Testimonials pages.
 

What are the categories?

Categories can be found by clicking here
 

What category should I choose?

Check out our Category Selector Tool. Note that you can nominate a business in up to 2 categories.

DoES THE BUSINESS HAVE TO BE A Chamber member?

Businesses do not need to be members of Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
 

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS?

In order to be eligible for nomination for any of the award categories the nominee must be located within the City/County of Peterborough, or have been founded and still have headquarters here.

You have the opportunity to submit nominations in two categories per business.  Check out the full list of categories. Businesses nominated in multiple categories MUST only select 2 categories to put forth for submission.

In any business/organization category, the previous year’s recipient is ineligible but may apply again in future years. In the categories recognizing individuals (Business Citizen of the Year, Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year, 4-Under-40 Profiles, Businesswomen of the Year, Farm Family of the Year), previous recipients are ineligible.

CAN I NOMINATE MY OWN BUSINESS?

Yes! The nomination process is a great way to recognize and celebrate your team's success, both internally and with the community.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to nominate themselves, or you may nominate any qualified individual or business for any of the award categories.
 

Can I nominate a business for more than one category?

Businesses can be nominated in a maximum of two categories each.  Businesses nominated in multiple categories MUST only select 2 categories to put forth for submission.
 

When is the nomination deadline?

We understand that many businesses are facing new challenges due to the storm. We are extending the deadline to give everyone more time. All nominations must be received by the Chamber by Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.
Late entries will NOT be accepted. Nominations must be submitted online or via email (see nominations forms).

Early Bird Deadline: All nominations received by Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. will be entered into a draw to win a $100 gift card for the Chamber Member business of the winner's choice!
 

How does the nomination process work?

The first step is to choose the best category for the business or individual you are nominating.  

If you are nominating yourself, your own business or the business you work for, please complete the nomination form IN FULL and submit it to the Chamber by the deadline date.  

If you are nominating another business, simply enter the business’ name on the Express Nomination Form. Your nomination will then be forwarded to the nominee for completion.   

If you are nominating an individual (Business Citizen of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year, 4-Under-40 Profile), please complete the nomination form IN FULL and submit it to the Chamber by the deadline date.  
 

how can i write an effective nomination?

Our Judging Committee suggests the following:

  • Check out the full list of categories (you can apply in up to 2 categories!)

  • Carefully read the criteria.

  • Choose the category that will best showcase your business or organization..

  • Also, think outside the box (e.g. Are you a Not-for-Profit that had an outstanding marketing campaign this year? You may want to consider Marketing & Promotion).

  • Fill out the nomination form with as much detail as possible, within the allotted space.

  • Complete every section.

  • Be specific. Include measurables and results (facts and figures).

  • Make sure your answers directly relate to the specific criteria.

  • Pretend that you are writing this for someone who has never heard of the nominee. Judges can only consider the information you provide on the nomination form. Help us get to know the business or individual! Tell us why they deserve to be recognized with one of these prestigious awards.

  • Win or lose, submitting a nomination is time well spent. It's a great opportunity to reflect and celebrate the contributions and success of your team with your team!

 

how are the finalists and recipients selected?

All nominations are given out to a special Judging Committee who will review all completed nominations to select 3 finalists in each category. Note: All nominations are judged solely on the nomination submitted.  Any known community history and/or previous achievements not included on the nomination form will not be considered.

 

when will the finalists be announced?

Finalists are announced each August. Recipients will be announced during the 2023 Business Excellence Awards event on October 18th, 2023.  

 

When and where is the event?

The 2023 Business Excellence Awards event will take place on Wednesday, October 18th, 2023.

 

How do I get tickets to the event?

Get your tickets HERE!

 

WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?

Dress is "business attire".