Click Here to download questions that need to be

answered for each award category.

Growth

The Emerald Awards for Growth honors businesses that have demonstrated growth through job creation (quantity and/or quality) and revenue increases in 2010 and 2011. Information that may help support your nomination may include: increase in number of jobs, percentage of new jobs, job creation vs. acquisition, expected longevity of growth, employee benefits and/or quality of benefits, average wage level etc.

Community Caring

The Emerald Award for Community Caring recognizes leadership by businesses that give generously for the enrichment of the community. In addition to compelling stories of their generosity, measurements in the form of time, money, goods, and/or services (in relation to company size) are requested. In addition nominations may include employee incentives to volunteer, policies that encourage community involvement etc.

Environmental Values

The Emerald Award for Environmental Values honors businesses that are leaders in preserving the environment and/or that have taken particular measures to be exceptional stewards of our natural resources. In addition, nominations may include: innovative techniques, policies that encourage employees to be environmentally conscious etc. Businesses must demonstrate how accomplishments exceed regulatory standards.

Innovation

The Emerald Award for Innovation honors existing businesses that have enhanced or re-invented their products, services, or practices through the successful implementation of innovative ideas. It also applies to emerging businesses with a niche or idea that has demonstrated rapid early growth.

Business of the Year

The Emerald Award for Business of the Year honors and acknowledges that today’s best run companies are sustainable by achieving economic, social and environmental success. It also acknowledges that businesses are innovators in order to survive in a competitive environment. Candidates for the Business of the Year will share their strengths in all four of the preceding award categories.