Council solicits community help in nominating small businesses for awards

Do you know a business with exceptional customer service or high ethical standards? What about one that uses innovative technology to move ahead of its competition?

If so, then the Amherst Chamber of Commerce wants to know about it. The Amherst Chamber's Business Resource Council is turning to the community for assistance in nominating area small businesses for its 2008 Small Business Awards.

The Chamber annually recognizes small businesses - 50 employees or less - from around the region for their success, innovation, customer service, philanthropy and ethical standards. Nominees do not need to be Chamber members nor do they have to be located in Amherst.

Highlighting the success of small business is a priority, said Rick Dean, chairman of the Chamber's Business Resource Council and president of R. W. Dean & Associates.

"Small companies are the backbone of our business community," he said. " The Small Business Awards Luncheon is one way the Amherst Chamber recognizes their achievements and puts them in the spotlight."

The Chamber will present five awards at the luncheon on Friday, May 2. The awards include Small Business Person of the Year, the Champion Award, the Innovation Award, the At Your Service Award and the Zenith Award.

The Small Business Person of the Year Award goes to an individual who has been in business at least five years and has achieved success in the following areas: staying power, growth in number of employees, increase in sales and/or unit volumes, innovativeness of products and/or services, response to adversity and involvement in community activities.

The Champion Award recognizes an individual who promotes small business above and beyond the call of his or her professional duties and responsibilities. The Innovation Award honors a small business whose use of technology or integration of technology has increased sales, product quality and profitability.

The At Your Service Award recognizes a retail, hospitality or service business for making its location, facility or Web site a destination for an increasing number of customers and generates loyalty and satisfaction. The Zenith Award honors a small business, which has exhibited superior dedication to high ethical performance and professional service for its clients.

To nominate a small business visit the Amherst Chamber's Event Page at www.amherst.org or 632-6905 for a nomination form. All nominations must be returned to the Chamber no later than March 14.