The Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce wishes to recognize Kankakee County businesses and individuals whose achievements and community involvement have made significant contributions to the economic and social well-being of the County of Kankakee.

Nominees must be a current member in good standing of the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce and have must not have won in any category in the past 3 years. A representative of the business must be present at the dinner to accept the award. Nominations must be received in full by November 3. Please email any supporting documents to kelsey.post@kankakeecountychamber.com by the due date.

A business may self-nominate, or another individual may nominate the business in one of the categories. The committee reserves the right to move the business into another category during judging.

Technology and Innovation

Criteria for Eligibility & Selection:

• Demonstrates growth and success in commercializing technological innovations.
  
• Demonstrates growth and success in implementing technological innovations.
  
• Demonstrates adaptability and successful application of new technology.
  
• Development and growth of products and/or services.
  

New Business of the Year

Criteria for Eligibility & Selection:

• Business has been operating in Kankakee County under 3 years
  
•  A Statement should be included which demonstrates success in overcoming challenges to drive forward its business plan
  
•  A clear plan for future growth of the organization
  
• “Independently” owned franchises are eligible
  
• Business must be incorporated.
  
• Nominees cannot be expansion of an existing business; name change or new location of an existing organization
  

Small Business of the Year

Criteria for Eligibility & Selection:

• Kankakee County businesses employing less than 50 full-time employees are eligible to be nominated.
  
• Institutional facilities, not-for-profit organizations, regional offices and branch offices are not eligible.
  
• Business has been operating in Kankakee County for 5 years or more.
  
• Business has a clear plan for future growth of the organization.
  

Large Business of the Year

Criteria for Eligibility & Selection:

• Contributions to employment and excellence in employee relations.
  
• Kankakee County businesses employing more than 50 full-time employees are eligible to be nominated.
  
• Business has been operating in Kankakee County for 5 years or more.
  
• Proven business achievement.
  
• Excellence in community relations, customer service and reliability.
  
• Proven marketing and promotional achievements.
  

Not-profit Organization of the Year

Criteria for Eligibility & Selection:

• The organization is a not-for-profit in Kankakee County.
  
• Setting and achieving clear business objectives and effective use of resources.
  
• Demonstrates originality and sustainability in generating income or securing funding.
  
• Shows innovation in services or programs to meet changing demands in Kankakee County.
  
• Shows an analysis of measurable results in the communities they serve.
  
• Shows a commitment to people development, whether paid or volunteer, including qualified governance.
  
• Demonstrates strong and accountable governance leadership.
  

Manufacturer of the Year

Criteria for Eligibility & Selection

• The organization is a manufacturer in Kankakee County
  
• Operating for at least 5 years
  
• Demonstrates outstanding community partnerships within the county
  
• Business has a clear plan for future growth of the organization.