The Tribune

After a one-year hiatus, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) has announced the return of the Business Excellence Recognition Awards.

The awards are designed to honour outstanding Grand Bahamian businesses and executives. Persons can nominate a business by using the entry form that is available at the Chamber’s office on the Mall drive or on the website www. gbchamber.org.

There are several Award Categories that a business or businessperson can be nominated for:

Outstanding Businessperson of the Year

Developing Entrepreneur of the Year

Company of the Year (Two sub-categories):

Small Business with 1-50 employees

Large Business with over 50 employees

Philanthropic Business or (Business Person) of the Year

Lifetime Achievement Award

Entries for nominations should include a summary of 100 words or less that explains why a nominee merits being the winner of the award; highlights specific business and management practices relevant to the award; and illustrates the company’s commitment to employees and the community.

Self-nominations are acceptable. The nominator should ensure that the nominee is willing to participate in this award programme. The deadline for nominations is Friday, October 3, 2014.

In judging the awards, the following selection criteria will be considered. There are no limits to this, and the criteria include:

• Business age

• Nature of activities

• Historical performance – business achievements

• Contribution to Bahamian economy

• Management/employee relations

• Contribution to employment and employee training

• Commitment to fair and honest conduct in the marketplace

• Contribution to the community, or a charity

1. The Outstanding Businessperson of the Year award. An increase in business income, innovative spirit, new market acquisitions, job creation and the overall impact on the community, are all aspects that make this businessperson stand out. The business must have had at least five years of operation by June 2014.

2. The Developing Entrepreneur of the Year award is given to a person who has started a new business in the private sector within the past five years. The business must have at least one full year, but less than five years, of operation by June 2014.

3. The Company of the Year is awarded to the business that has produced good corporate citizens and improved business, while adhering to ethical business practices. It is involved and active in industry organisations, and is a willing contributor to enhancing the overall development of the Bahamas. There are two sub-categories: a) Small Business with 1-50 employees; b) Large Business with over 50 employees.

4. Philanthropic Business or (Business Person) of the Year. That company or person who has contributed through their business to help charitable organisations or community groups.

5. Lifetime Achievement Award – The businessperson who is recognised for their lifelong growth and contributions to Grand Bahama Island.

The selection committee, which is made up of Chamber Directors and members, will review each application to ensure compliance with the rules of the awards.

Nominees will be informed of their qualification by the selection committee. Finalists will be determined and notified by October 8, 2014. The winners will be chosen by a panel of judges appointed by the Board of Directors.

The actual Business Excellence Recognition Awards Ceremony will be held on October 25, 2014, at the Regency Theatre. This will be a gala affair, with a cocktail party prior to the awards and a champagne after-party to celebrate the winners.