Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce
3rd Annual Headliner Awards
Category Descriptions & Requirements
Leadership in Organization & Community (business or nonprofit)
Nominee will be judged upon his/her leadership in the business or nonprofit organization shown in 2011 through ability to provide a strong corporate culture and management philosophy that helps attract and/or retain employees, foster employees’ individual development, and maintain positive relationships with customers/clients. In addition, the nominee’s leadership style must extend to his/her active participation as well as that of their employees in their community beyond their normal work-related activities.
Outside-the-Box Innovator (business or nonprofit)
This award will salute a business or nonprofit that was thinking smart -- “outside the box” – to bring an innovative perspective in management, technology, marketing, sales, or product/service development during 2011. Nominees will be judged on the uniqueness, creativity, and achievement of their desired results from this smart and innovative thinking in their business or community service field. This may include such things as the implementation of technology to aid employees; the use of technology to solve production or fulfillment challenges; the implementation of social media or customer attraction devices to enhance marketing and sales; the creative development of new services or products; or an innovation that sets them apart and produces results.
Green-Friendly Organization (business or nonprofit)
Nominees will be judged on their green-friendly initiatives in 2011 to become more eco-friendly and sustainable through practices such as solid waste reduction, recycling, energy conservation or renewable energy usage, water conservation, promotion of green business advantages to clients, etc. The award will be given to a green-friendly organization whose resourcefulness has produced positive results for its bottom line.
Continued Growth in Current Economy (business or nonprofit)
Nominees will be judged upon their strategic planning and activities during 2011 that have helped them remain on a growth path. The award will be given to the organization that has continued to grow by instituting new practices such as retooling their business plan, adding or refining their goods or services to meet new market demands, or developing new markets to meet its challenges.
Customer Service (business or nonprofit)
Nominees will be judged upon their demonstration of exceptional customer service during 2011 that resulted in an increase in customer/client satisfaction, retention, and referrals. The award will honor an organization for its existing or improved service procedures achieved through such programs as employee training, institution of a service policy that resulted in customer retention, service follow-up to gauge satisfaction, etc. Nominations are encouraged from satisfied customers who feel they have received exceptional service from a business or nonprofit.