Annual Business Recognition Breakfast
Join us for the region’s premier business recognition ceremony
February 17th 2023
Doors Open at 7:00am
Business Recognition Breakfast
Grand Upton Hall
The 2023 Business Recognition Award Ceremony & Annual Meeting Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Honor Credit Union and Indiana Michigan Power an AEP Company returns Friday, February 17th! Doors open at 7:00 a.m., with the program beginning at 7:30 a.m.
We will be announcing our new Board of Directors, recapping 2022, sharing exciting news for 2023, handing out our Business Recognition Awards, and hearing a special keynote!
Nominations are now CLOSED
Our Awards
Award recipients are announced at the event, keeping finalists and attendees on the edge of their seats.
Best New Business Award
A new, stand out business in Southwest Michigan that has already demonstrated a level of excellence in their product category and a commitment to giving back to the community.
Criteria:
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Time Open: The business must be between 6 months and 2 years old.
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Growth: Has already achieved growth in any, or all, of the following: jobs provided, sales made, services or products offered, and territory served.
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Customer Service: Has already built a reputation of exceeding customer/client expectations.
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Community Service: Has already dedicated significant time and resources to bettering the community.
Non-Profit of the Year Award
A 501(c)3 organization that demonstrates excellence in providing a service to our community and/or in advocating, enabling, and empowering an underserved, underrepresented or disadvantaged population in our area.
Criteria
- Size: The organization must have fewer than 100 employees.
- Mission: The mission of the organization.
- History: A brief history of the organization.
- Service Provided: A description of the services provided and the population they seek to benefit.
- Excellence: The organization has demonstrated excellence in any of the following:
- Leadership abilities, strategic planning, partnerships, alliances, effective volunteer management, fundraising initiatives, successful marketing and promotion of initiatives, and effective program development.
Small Business of the Year Award
A local small business that stands out for developing an outstanding, growing business; offering innovative product(s) and/or services, increasing jobs, increasing sales, overcoming adversity, and for making significant community contributions.
Criteria:
- Size: The business must have fewer than 50 employees.
- Resiliency: Has demonstrated the ability to survive during tough times.
- Culture: Has created a positive culture of employee benefits, talent development, diversity and inclusion practices, flexibility in sick-leave policies, and mentorship for its employees.
- Growth: Achieved growth in any, or all, of the following: jobs provided, sales made, services or products offered, and territory served.
- Customer Service: Has built a reputation of exceeding customer/client expectations.
- Community Service: Has dedicated significant time and resources to bettering the community.
Economic Impact Award
A business that has made significant contributions to the economic vitality of the region through business growth, job creation, investment in infrastructure, and participation in other endeavors that benefit that community and its residents. The company must also exemplify excellent corporate citizenship by giving back to the community in which it operates and possess a corporate culture that enhances the lives of its employees.
Criteria:
- Size: The business must have more than 50 employees.
- Culture: Has created a positive culture of employee benefits, talent development, diversity and inclusion practices, flexibility in sick-leave policies, and mentorship for its employees.
- Growth: Record of growth in any, or all, of the following: jobs provided, sales made, services or products offered, and territory served.
- Customer Service: Has built a reputation of exceeding customer/client expectations.
- Community Service: Has dedicated significant time and resources to bettering the community.
Rising Star Award
An award that recognizes a talented professional who is considered a rising star in their field and is considered a role model for others both personally and professionally.
Criteria:
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- Age: Must be between the ages of 21-40 years old.
- Experience: Must have one (1) or more years of professional experience in your current career.
- Community Service: Must also be involved in community, civic, church or charitable activities.
- Talent Development: Must have dedicated time and effort to education/career/leadership development programs as a way to achieve a higher level of knowledge and expertise in their field of business.
The Pat Moody Award
An award that recognizes an individual or business who has made their mark in the community.
Criteria:
- Longevity: Has 10+ years in as an established presence in Southwest Michigan.
- Leadership: Has served their organization or community in a leadership role.
- Customer Service: Has built a reputation of exceeding customer’s expectations.
- Community Service: Has dedicated significant time and resources to bettering the community.
2023 Nominees
Take a look at our impressive slate of nominees for 2023. Only one in each category can win!
Economic Impact Award
- Whirlpool Corporation
- Berrien Springs Public Schools
Non-Profit Excellence Award
- Berrien Artist Guild/Box Factory For The Arts
- SCORE of Kalamazoo/Southwest Michigan
- Community Fun Day
- Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan
Small Business of the Year
- Villwocks Outdoor Living
- Ravitron
- Parrett Company
- Full Circle Café & Espresso Bar
- Crystal Springs Florist & Greenhouse, Inc.
- Family Physicians of Saint Joseph
Best New Business
- The Aware Lab for Movement and Creativity
- Nature Therapy of Michiana
- Sturgis Bank – St. Joseph & Niles Banking Centers
- Local Pour
- Mosquito Mob
- Stacey Martin – Freelance Writer
The Pat Moody Award
- Tom Starks, Starks Family Funeral Homes
- Millicent Huminsky, Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council
- Dave Bly, Horizon Bank
Rising Star Award
- Derek Niedzwiecki, ROSTA USA
- Josh Kitchell, Mosquito Mob
- Maureen Stroud, Shinka Sustainability Consultants
A Special Thanks to Our 2023 Premier Event Sponsors
2023 Winners
Economic Impact Award
Berrien Springs Public Schools
Non-Profit Excellence Award
Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan
Small Business of the Year
Full Circle Café & Espresso Bar
Best New Business
Local Pour
The Pat Moody Award
Tom Starks, Starks Family Funeral Homes
Rising Star Award
Josh Kitchell, Mosquito Mob