Award Categories- Chamber Awards 2025

Arts & Culture Excellence Award

Celebrates an individual, organization or event in the arts community (music, theater, dance or visual arts). This award acknowledges an individual, organization or event that contributes or has contributed to the cultural vibrancy of our community. The efforts of this entity contribute to opportunities, experiences and awareness of artistic talent in Kawartha Lakes.

Nomination considerations include, but are not limited to: leadership in the arts, innovators, supporters, artists, performers, galleries, studios, events, venues, and more.

Download Nomination Form-Arts & Culture Award

Board Member of the Year (Volunteer)

This award goes to someone who has been pinnacle to the success of an organization in their role as a volunteer board member. The person has given many years of service to the organization or a combination of organizations. They have shown exceptional leadership and time commitment to the organization.  The board member is well liked and respected by their fellow board members and represents the organization in the most positive way.

Download Nomination Form-Board Member Award

Business Leader of the Year

Celebrates a resident who through leadership and corporate curiosity has contributed to the economic wellbeing of Lindsay and District, by improving its community profile. This award acknowledges someone who has, through their actions, shown exemplary leadership and community spirit, visibly contributing to the improvement of community profile.

Nomination considerations include, but are not limited to: visionary leadership, quality workmanship, professional mannerism and exemplary customer service in business and the community, dedication and commitment to business endeavors, team spirit and inspiration to building a business culture.

Download Nomination Form-Business Leader of the Year

Citizen of the Year

Celebrates a special resident (or honorary resident) of Lindsay and District who has contributed to the community in a manner above and beyond, in a volunteer capacity. This award acknowledges the contribution made and ultimate benefits to the community. This individual has shown special efforts and has had a notable impact, which resonates within the community.

Nomination considerations include, but are not limited to: must be18 years of age or older, demonstration of a lasting and meaningful volunteer contribution outside the bounds of paid employment, evident community pride, giving in nature, with no expectation in return, acts in the best interest of the community, a community leader.

Download Nomination Form- Citizen of the Year

Customer Service Excellence Award

Celebrates exemplary customer service, customer retention or customer relationship management. The award acknowledges a business, independent retailer, franchise or dealer of goods or services in any industry that is committed to best customer service practices. This business is reputed for being customer centric and the efforts stand out clearly and contribute to our community offering.

Nomination considerations include, but are not limited to: storefront or interior appeal, presentation of products, quality of selection and service, customer conveniences, guarantees and warranties, overall approach to service, telephone manner, complaint resolution, reception area comfort, staff professionalism, product knowledge, attention to customer need, reputation, and more.

Download Nomination Form- Customer Service Award

Diversity & Inclusion Award

This award will honour a business operating in the City of Kawartha Lakes that has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, innovation, efforts and/or commitment to increase equality, diversity, and inclusion in: The workplace(s) for its employees, Customer service, The community as a whole. This award is intended to recognize effective and sustained efforts. However, special acts or one-time achievements may be considered. Nomination considerations include but are not limited to business facility enhancement, consideration of surroundings, accessibility of design, and more. Testimonials are strongly encouraged (maximum 5).

Download Nomination Form-Diversity & Inclusion Award

Design Excellence Award

The Design Excellence Award recognizes the business or organization in the community that demonstrates the greatest contribution to the commercial viability of the community through construction, renovation or development.

Nomination considerations include, but are not limited to: business facility enhancement, consideration of surroundings, accessibility of design, and more.

Download Nomination Form-Design Excellence Award

Employee of the Year

Criteria:  Great employees are the backbone of a successful business.  This award recognizes a standout employee who goes above and beyond for the business.  The employee of the year should be someone who provided exceptional service, increased sales or received great reviews and comments from customers.  This employee stood out in improving the image of the business both within the business and in the community.  The employee is highly regarded by other staff members, the customers and the management or owners of the business.

Download Nomination Form-Employee of the Year

Employer of the Year Award

Celebrates a business or organization in any industry renowned for its commitment to its employees. This award acknowledges a business or organization that provides an exceptional workplace. The efforts of this entity enhance job and career opportunities.

Nomination considerations include, but are not limited to: positive work environment, career growth path, professional development, staff support and recognition, commitment to work/life balance, and more. This nomination must come from the staff of the nominee.

Download Nomination Form-Employer of the Year

Give Back Award

This award recognizes business or individual within that business that has demonstrated outstanding support for their community, charitable organizations, community groups (sports, arts, theater, dance etc.) and non-profits through philanthropic leadership and/or giving of their time or expertise to support a charitable cause or community group.

Download Nomination Form-Give Back Award

Green Initiative Award

This award celebrates outstanding achievements within the business that promotes a healthy community through green initiatives. This can include the sustainable use of natural resources such as initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut energy consumption, advance energy efficiency or improve air quality. It can also be about the use of sustainable materials or practices or any actions that help with carbon footprint reduction. 

Download Nomination Form-Green Initiative Award

Health and Wellness Excellence Award

This award celebrates an entity that provides health and wellness services to individuals or businesses. The recipient demonstrates a consistent adherence to excellent business practices necessary to deliver the highest quality service and support to their clients/customers. This entity executes best practices in all areas of their operation to ensure maximization of their capabilities and capacity. They demonstrate a commitment to the ongoing education, skills development, or professional accreditation of its employees. The nominee shows a high level of care and concern for the community. Qualifying organizations include, but are not limited to: Retirement Homes, Health Centres, Health Care Professionals, Wellness Centres, Yoga Studios, Patient Transfer, RMT, Fitness Studios, Chiropractor, Dental Hygienist and Dental Offices, etc.

Testimonials are strongly encouraged (maximum 5). 

Download Nomination Form-Health and Wellness Award

Innovation Award

The Innovation Excellence Award recognizes outstanding innovation in any manufactured product, component or service with the City of Kawartha Lakes, within the given year. The submissions must illustrate how your business’ innovation improved existing products and/or created new jobs and impacted the local economy.

Nomination considerations include, but are not limited to: large and small businesses, businesses in the manufacturing or agriculture sectors.

Download Nomination Form-Innovation Award

Legacy Leader Award

The Legacy Award honors an individual with a longstanding commitment to excellence and an impactful legacy within the Lindsay District business community. This award recognizes those who, through years of dedication, have contributed to the economic, social, or cultural vitality of our region. Ideal candidates are those whose achievements inspire others, showcase leadership, and demonstrate a sustained positive influence on local business or community development. The candidate can also be pointed to as the reason for things like growth of the business, the ongoing success of the business or that they left the business in a strong position upon retirement.

Download Nomination Form-Legacy Leader Award

Marketing Excellence Award

Celebrates outstanding strategy, campaign or media executions. The award acknowledges a business in any industry that demonstrates consistent branding, strong advertising, public relations, promotion, or sales achievements. Consumers and suppliers easily recognize this entity for their branding, creative or media.

Nomination considerations include, but are not limited to: logo design and implementation, use of varied media, consumer awareness, leading by example, community involvement, event or cause sponsorship, enhancement of business premises, online presence, and more.

Download Nomination Form-Marketing Award of Excellence

Media Excellence Award

Recognizing Visionaries in all forms of Media. The Media Excellence Award evolved through a need to recognize and celebrate creativity, innovation, and those pushing the bounds of creative excellence in all forms of local media. This award recognizes communications that keep pace with our times through innovative use of new media. This award is for marketers, broadcasters, publishers, designers, developers, innovators, visionaries, and leaders in this exciting new realm of communication. We offer recognition for introducing new methods, directing, and helping to set the pace for emerging media, and demonstrating excellence on the web — through print, broadcast, apps, mobile advertising, videos, mobile sites, podcasts and social media.

Nomination considerations include, publishers, journalists, news organizations, local associations or anyone who wishes to draw attention to a print, broadcast TV or radio or online media outlet that meets the criteria. Testimonials are strongly encouraged (maximum 5)

Download Nomination Form-Media Excellence Award

New Business of the Year Award

Celebrates the emergence of a new business or the evolution of an existing business which has been in operation in the City of Kawartha Lakes for three years or less that has proven to be progressive in their operations. This entity demonstrates sound management, business excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and exceptional success.

Nomination considerations include, but are not limited to: product or service innovation, adoption of new technologies, job creation, success and growth, sound employee relations, dedication to customer service, participation in new economic activities and community involvement, and more.

Download Nomination Form-New Business of the Year

Not-For-Profit Excellence Award

Celebrates a Not-For-Profit organization that demonstrates excellence in board governance (strong leadership abilities, strategic planning, partnerships and alliances), effective volunteer management, fundraising initiatives, successful marketing and promotion initiatives and effective program development.

Nomination considerations include, but are not limited to: purpose and mission of the organization, history of organization, board governance and leadership, strategic planning and execution abilities, effective program development, volunteer management, and fundraising success (marketing, promotion and media).

Download Nomination Form-Non-Profit Award

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star celebrates a new entrepreneur, or young professional who has quickly demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation, and potential to become a leader in their field or business. This award recognizes significant early achievements, unique ideas, and community involvement, showcasing a commitment to making a positive impact. Whether through rapid business growth or fresh industry approaches, Rising Stars are those on a promising trajectory with the vision and dedication to drive future success and leave a lasting mark on their industry and community.

Download Nomination Form-Rising Star Award

Skilled Trades Award

Criteria: The Skilled Trades Award will be presented to a business that excels in providing skilled trade services to individuals or businesses. The recipient of this award will have demonstrated a consistent high level of services coupled with excellent business practices to deliver quality service and support to their clients/customers.  

e.g. electrician, plumber, carpenter, HVAC technician, masonry worker

Download Nomination Form-Skilled Trades Award

Social Butterfly Award

Celebrates a business, non-profit, charitable group, organization or an individual from the aforementioned that excels at social activities on behalf of the business, non-profit, charitable group or organization. This includes, but not limited to social media activity, attending events, being seen in the community, in the media and everywhere you look. They represent their business in a positive, outgoing way. They get attention and bring awareness to their business while doing so.  

Download Nomination Form-Social Butterfly Award

Tourism Excellence Award

Celebrates a business or organization’s commitment to attract non-residents to Kawartha Lakes. The award acknowledges a business or organization in any category that lures visitors to our market. The efforts of this entity contribute to our local economy.

Nomination considerations include, but are not limited to: evidence of increased bookings, visitor spending, traffic counts, overnight stays, events and attractions attendance, and more.

Download Nomination Form-Tourism Award

Youth Mentorship Excellence Award

Celebrates a business’ commitment to youth career preparation. The award acknowledges businesses and organizations actively involved in school to work transition programs with high schools and post-secondary institutions. This entity contributes to retention and attraction of educated youth.

Nomination considerations include, but are not limited to: co-op programs, internships, placements, third party coaching or mentoring, and more.

Download Nomination Form-Youth Mentorship Award

Volunteer of the Year 

Criteria:  Volunteers work tirelessly to make our community a better place.  This award recognizes those volunteers who have taken volunteerism to a new level.  This person would have been an intricate part of the success of the organization or group for which they volunteer for.  This person could have improved fundraising initiatives or increased the profile of the organization. This volunteer seldom misses a meeting and is always the one attending the events and is always willing to do whatever it takes to support the organization or group. They receive no pay, nor personal benefit doing this volunteer work other than the feeling of accomplishment and that feeling of satisfaction doing something for others and their community.

Download Nomination Form-Volunteer of the Year