All You Need to Know About the 2024 Best of Business Awards

Each year, the Longmont Chamber recognizes business and nonprofit excellence at Jubilee, our annual member celebration and award presentation. At this event, we gather to celebrate the tremendous accomplishments and contributions of local entrepreneurs, established businesses, and organizations that are essential to our community. Learn more about all awards presented at this event, why apply or nominate, and the required qualifications for applying.

Awards that Require Application

In order to thoroughly evaluate which businesses have experienced the most growth and social impact on our community, we ask that businesses and nonprofits apply for the following awards:

Business of the Year

A business that has been in operation for at least 5 years* and has demonstrated profitability, growth, sustainability, and a commitment to the Longmont community.

Emerging Business

A business that has been in operation for fewer than 5 years and demonstrates incredible potential and community engagement in the Longmont community.

Nonprofit of the Year

A registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has significantly contributed to the betterment of our community.

Because these awards require application, if you know a business or nonprofit that deserves to be recognized for their work, please send them the link to the application.

*Those of you with a keen eye may see the requirement for Business of the Year has changed slightly from past years; this change has been implemented to better distinguish this award from the Emerging Business award.

Awards that Require Nomination

In addition to our long-standing Building Bridges Award, we are introducing a new award this year to recognize individual employees of our member businesses.

New! Longmont Employee of the Year

This new award has been created to highlight outstanding individuals who have shown passion and ambition in their careers. These employees have made a significant impact in the growth and influence of our Longmont Chamber member businesses and nonprofits. Individuals can be nominated by their supervisor or another employee at the company.

People’s Choice Award

The People’s Choice Award is given to the qualifying business or nonprofit that receives the most public nominations, celebrating the recognition and support a business receives from the community.

All Other Awards

These awards honor outstanding community members and organizations whose contributions exemplify the values of the Longmont Chamber. Winners are chosen based on their participation and impact within the Chamber and the greater Longmont community. Selection for most awards is driven by Chamber leadership, reflecting community input and engagement.

Longmont Chamber Legacy Award

An outstanding business or nonprofit that has been a member of the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce in good standing for 10 or more years.

Ambassador of the Year

The Longmont Chamber and Ambassadors committee leadership select the Ambassador of the Year. This individual has demonstrates tremendous volunteer efforts at the Longmont Chamber, ensuring staff is supported and events run smoothly.

Building Bridges Award

The Building Bridges award recognizes businesses and individuals who are highly engaged in education and connecting students to the business community. Two are presented each year, one to an individual and one to a business. Recipients are nominated and selected by the Longmont Chamber Education Committee.

Safety Champion Award

This business or nonprofit has consistently engaged with the Longmont Chamber Workers’ Compensation Safety Program, demonstrating a dedication to the safety and well-being of their employees.

Making a Difference Award

This award is presented to an individual who has intense passion for the development of Longmont. They have a proven record of creating or engaging in successful programs that have improved our community.

Why Apply?

There are several reasons to apply for recognition! Here are some of the best:

• Brand Awareness and Differentiation – Awards are a great way to drive awareness of your company, raise your brand profile and set your team apart from your peers. They can also be a deciding factor for potential clients
• Increased Credibility – Being an award-winner offers your company a third-party endorsement that validates your ideas, methodology and team. Awards can also enhance collaborator and customer confidence, helping your business to close deals and drive sales. Further, winning awards help your company to stand out in the media, positioning your team as go-to experts when members of the press seek subject matter expertise.
• Connect with the Community – Participating in our annual Business Awards is an opportunity to make new connections and build relationships with other standout Longmont businesses.
• Employee Engagement and Motivation – Winning an award is not only good for your company but good for your staff. Awards offer public recognition of your team’s hard work, can boost morale and help retain employees in a competitive job market.
• Celebrate Success and Inspire Others – Share your story and inspire other local businesses to reach for excellence. A Longmont Chamber Best of Business award shines a spotlight on your team’s hard work and the milestones you’ve achieved.

Other Benefits:

• Finalists and winners are filmed in advance of the event to capture their stories. These videos are shown at the Jubilee event, and the full length videos will be made available to finalists and winners for use in their own promotions.
• Finalists and winners are announced in local newspapers and news sites, promoted on our website, and shared on social media.
• Winners have the opportunity to weigh-in on the selection of the following year’s award application review committee.

Important Dates to Remember:

• Applications Close: December 31, 2024
• Finalists Announced: Mid-January 2025
• Winners Revealed: At Jubilee, the annual Longmont Chamber member celebration, in February!

Qualifications

• Businesses and non-profits must be active members of the Longmont Chamber and in good-standing with the organization.
• Applicants and nominees will be researched to ensure that they not only qualify for their category, but have a good community reputation.
• Businesses and nonprofits that have won an award within the last 5 years are ineligible for most awards.