ANNUAL AWARD CATEGORIES

Non-Profit Award of Excellence

This award recognizes and celebrates an exceptional nonprofit organization providing outstanding support of the community's needs and is a well-managed organization that delivers essential programs and/or services to serve the Shenandoah County community.

Award Criteria

• Non-profit has an official IRS designation as a 501(c)3 entity or be a donor directed fund of a community foundation.
• Located in, or serving the residents of, Shenandoah County 
• Is a member in good standing of the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce
• Completed a full year of operation prior to Jan 1, 2025

Young Professional Award of Excellence

This award recognizes and celebrates exceptional young professionals in Shenandoah County. 

Award Criteria

• Nominee must be under 40 years old.
• Nominee must either live or work in Shenandoah County.
• Nominee must be employed by a member in good standing of the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce.
• Nominee must demonstrate the following:
1. At least three years of professional work experience (in or outside of the County)
2. Excellence, creativity and initiative in their company or profession
3. Valuable service to the community by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others

Tourism Award of Excellence

This award recognizes excellence in the tourism business. This business contributes to the economic vitality of the County through innovative, ethical business practices, professionalism and strong community involvement. This is a business who has made a significant contribution to the success of the County's tourism industry.

Award criteria:

• Is a Shenandoah County business 
• Is a member in good standing of the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce
• Has been in business for three years or longer

Home Based Business Award of Excellence

This award recognizes excellence in business. The Award is reserved for businesses that are based entirely out of the owner’s home. Businesses that make use of co-working or shared work space on a part-time basis are eligible. All types of businesses qualify for this category.

Award criteria:

• Is a Shenandoah County business 
• Is a member in good standing of the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce
• Completed a full year of operation prior to Jan 1, 2025

Small Business Award of Excellence

This award recognizes excellence in business. This business contributes to the economic vitality and quality of life in the County through innovative, ethical business practices, professionalism and strong community involvement. This is a business who has made a significant contribution to the success of their business and our community.

Award criteria:

• Is a Shenandoah County business with 50 or fewer employees
• Is a member in good standing of the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce
• Has been in business for three years or longer

Large Business Award of Excellence

This award recognizes excellence in business. This business contributes to the economic vitality and quality of life in the County through innovative, ethical business practices, professionalism and strong community involvement. This is a business who has made a significant contribution to the success of their business and our community.

Award criteria:

• Is a Shenandoah County business with 51 or more employees
• Is a member in good standing of the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce
• Has been in business for three years or longer

Citizen of the Year

This award recognizes outstanding citizen contributions to Shenandoah County.

Award criteria:

• Has shown extraordinary leadership in our community through professional practice and community service
• Inspires others to collaborate, innovate, and advocate for a thriving community
• Lives or lived in Shenandoah County

Selection Process

The selection committee evaluates your nomination SOLELY on the information you provide.

Your answers to the questions are strictly confidential and the supporting materials along with any presentations you provide are critical to the evaluation process.

Please include a good description along with a picture, video, or any other items that help represent the business (mail or drop off). These allow our selection committee to properly understand the business and the impact they make on the Shenandoah County community. Please keep all video content under 3 minutes in length.