The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, along with our sponsors M&T Bank and Davidson Auto

Group, announce nominations are now being accepted for our 2012 Business of the Year Award, and also the 2012 Entrepreneurial Award (historically presented by the JCJDC). The awards will be presented on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 11:45 am at the Black River Valley Club in Watertown. The Business of the Year Award The Business of the Year Award is presented to one company/organization in each of the following categories: For-Profit Business with 50 or fewer employees For-Profit Business with more than 50 employees Non-Profit/Not-For-Profit Organization with 50 or fewer employees Non-Profit/Not-For-Profit Organization with more than 50 employees

The Business of the Year Award is presented to a business/organization able to demonstrate outstanding leadership and vision, successful performance and substantial growth, and able to serve as an inspiration to other businesses. The award is designed to recognize and reward a North Country business/organization that has invested in the region by creating economic success in the Greater Watertown Area and continually gives back to the community. Eligibility Requirements The nominee must be a member in good standing of the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce; and may nominate themselves or another GWNC Chamber Member in good standing. They must have been in business in the North Country for at least three (3) years Criteria - The nominee must demonstrate Financial Viability Staying Power Significant contributions to the growth of the local economy and the Community Exceptional Customer Service Involvement and participation in professional, business and/or trade associations The Entrepreneurial Award The Entrepreneurial Award, historically presented by the JCJDC as the New Business Venture Award, is intended to recognize a new business created and located in Jefferson County that that has experienced growth in employment and sales. Eligibility Requirements

Nominations are open to companies established and located in Jefferson County who have been operating for at least two years but not more than four years and can show by specific examples that their business plan is being implemented and effective in the growth of their business. Nominees do not need to be a Chamber member. Criteria Business Plan Products & Services Marketing & Sales Measured Growth The Process For All Awards Return respective nomination form fully completed; along with a high resolution logo and a current photo of your business/organization (to be used in recognition pieces) on disc or by e-mail to GWNC Chamber of Commerce, 1241 Coffeen St., Watertown, NY 13601; events@watetownny.com. Please call Michelle at (315) 788-4400 to confirm submission has been received. Up to four additional pages may be attached as needed, in addition to the two letters of reference. Nomination deadline is Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 4:00 pm. A selection committee consisting of a diverse group of business and community leaders will review all nomination forms and will select the recipients based on a scoring system of criteria For further information please contact the Chamber at 315-788-4400 or events@watertownny.com.

2012 Business of the Year Nomination Form

NOMINEE Business Name: Date: Address: Phone: Fax: E-mail: Name and Title of Primary Officer/Owner: CHECK APPLICABLE CATEGORY o o o o For-Profit Business with 50 or Fewer Employees For-Profit Business with more than 50 Employees Non-Profit/Not-For-Profit Business with 50 or Fewer Employees Non-Profit/Not-For-Profit Business with more than 50 Employees

NOMINATOR Name: Business Name: Address: Phone: E-Mail: 1. Staying Power Provide a brief description of the nominees business history, business plan, strategies and goals and the percentage of their sales growth over the past three years. A letter from the companys accountant or banker attesting to the financial position of the nominee is acceptable for describing growth. 2. Contributions to Local Economy and to the North Country Community Describe significant contributions that the nominee has made to the growth of the local economy through capital investments, jobs created or jobs retained. The company should also show its commitment to workforce development within its organization by describing the training, motivation, education and ethical standards programs provided to employees by the nominee. Include any innovative initiatives (development of a new technology, product, service) that the nominee has undertaken within the last 3 years. Describe the nominees involvement, leadership, support, and/or achievements within the community. 3. Customer Service/Client Satisfaction Provide examples of exceptional Customer Service/Client Satisfaction provided by the nominee. Identify any local, state or national customer service awards, and date they were presented. 4. Professional Involvement Describe the nominees involvement and participation in professional, business and/or trade associations. 5. Letters of Reference Please provide (2) letters of reference, preferably from a customer/vendor, banker, accountant, or attorney.

2012 Entrepreneurial Nomination Form

NOMINEE Business Name: Date: Address: Phone: Fax: E-mail: Name and Title of Primary Officer/Owner: NOMINATOR Name: Business Name: Address: Phone: E-Mail: 1. Business Description Briefly define and describe companys business and product/service. (ex. manufacturer of shoes; restaurant specializing in German cuisine; retailer of widgets, etc.) 2. Business Plan Include a summary of the companys business plan. Include management team description. 3. Products & Services Describe companys products and services. Why are products and services better than competitors? What gives the company the advantage? How is the companys cutting edge? Without divulging proprietary information, describe future next steps to insure the advantage is maintained. 4. Marketing & Sales Briefly describe marketing strategies from the companys business plan that have been successful. Without divulging proprietary information, please tell us how these strategies have affected the companys sales. 5. Measured Growth Describe the growth the company has experienced. Will the business plan need to be amended for future growth? In your opinion, why is the Business plan working? What is not working that needs some adjustment? How many employees did the company start with and how many does it employ now? Please describe growth of the business over the next three years. 6. Letters of Reference Please provide (2) letters of reference, preferably from a customer/vendor, banker, accountant, or attorney.