Plano Chamber of Commerce
Annual Business Awards

The Plano Chamber of Commerce honors the area’s most enterprising businesses and most influential business leaders during prestigious awards ceremonies. These awards are presented to community leaders who through their leadership have made significant contributions to Plano and the North Texas region.

ATHENA Award®

Founded in 1982 to honor the achievements of exceptional women leaders, the international Athena Award® program has recognized over 5,000 leaders around the world. By honoring exceptional women, the ATHENA Award seeks to inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives. With this award, The Chamber recognizes one of Plano’s most accomplished businesswomen who strives towards professional accomplishment, excels in her field, devotes time and energy to her community and encourages others to succeed. Award winners are nominated by former Athena winners based on nominations received by the entire membership, and the award is presented at the Best of Plano event.

2013 ATHENA Award Nomination Form

Past ATHENA Award Recipients

SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Saluting the accomplishments of small businesses and the contributions they make to our area’s economy, this award lauds a business owner who has exhibited exemplary leadership, business growth and service to the community. The committee that selects this award recipient is comprised of the former winners. Selection is based on nominations accepted from the membership, and the award is presented at The Best of Plano event. Each nominee is required to meet the following criteria:

• They must own a business, or be a principal employee with a business, that has a substantial history of continuing operations for more than five years.
• The business must have demonstrated growth in the number of employees, sales or other criteria of success in its industry.
• The business must have a sound financial history.
• The individual should have demonstrated the ability to withstand and overcome difficult circumstances.
• The individual must be a current member of the Plano Chamber of Commerce who has made a contribution to the community in a commitment of time and other resources.

2013 Small Business Person of the Year Award Nomination Form

Past Small Business Person of the Year Award Recipients

BUSINESS EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

The Business Executive of the Year Award recognizes a business leader who has excelled as a leader in his respective business field, served the Chamber with distinction, been integrally involved in the Plano business community and is regarded as a business professional with integrity. The committee that selects this award recipient is comprised of the former winners. Selection is based on nominations accepted from the membership. The award is presented at the Best of Plano event. Each nominee is required to meet the following criteria:

• The nominee’s business must be 100+ employees.
• The leader’s company must have been in business 10 years or more.
• The nominee must be in senior management for a minimum of two years with company.
• The individual must demonstrate leadership within his business and/or industry.
• The business must be member in good standing of the Plano Chamber of Commerce.

2013 Business Executive of the Year Award Nomination Form

Past Business Executive of the Year Award Recipients

FRED MOSES MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AWARD

Applauding the achievements of minority business owners and celebrating our area’s rich diversity, the Fred Moses Minority Business Development Award honors a business leader who has illustrated exceptional business achievement, contributions to the community and dedication to integrity. The committee that selects this award recipient is comprised of the former winners. Selection is based on nominations accepted from the membership. The award is presented at the Best of Plano event. Each nominee is required to meet the following criteria:

• The nominee must own a business, or be a principal employee with a business, that has a substantial history of continuing operations at least four years.
• The business must have demonstrated growth in the number of employees, sales or other criteria of success in its industry.
• The company must have a sound financial history.
• The nominee should have demonstrated the ability to withstand and overcome difficult circumstances.
• The individual must be a current member of the Plano Chamber of Commerce who has made a contribution to the community in a commitment of time and other resources.

2013 Fred Moses Minority Business Development Award Nomination Form

Past Fred Moses Minority Business Development Award Recipients

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Citizen of the Year Award (COY) is presented to a local leader who has demonstrated a deep commitment to the Plano community. This Plano citizen is recognized for his personal contributions over a period of years, outside of regular work duties, that have contributed to the welfare and advancement of Plano. This personal sacrifice is typically rendered through civic, community, or religious work, as well as his achievements in his chosen field of business. The nominee must also be a member in good standing of the Plano Chamber. A new award, it will be presented for the first time at the Best of Plano event, beginning in 2011.

2013 Citizen of the Year Award Nomination Form

Past Citizen of the Year Award Recipients

SPECIAL AWARD OF MERIT

Presented to acknowledge exceptional commitment to the City of Plano, the Special Award of Merit is presented to an individual or group, who through their career, has gone beyond the call of duty of contributions, improvement and promotion for the city. This person is selected by the Citizen of the Year Committee and Board Members based on recommendations from the committee and members. The award is not necessarily picked annually but on an as warranted basis.

2013 Special Award of Merit Award Nomination Form

Past Special Award of Merit Recipients

OUTSTANDING CORPORATE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

A corporation will be presented with this top achievement award based on their involvement in and support of critical community issues, enhancing the economy of Plano through the successful and profitable operation of their business, exemplifying innovative leadership with employees and clients and exhibit outstanding customer service. This business should also support the Chamber through participation and have over 50 employees.

2013 Outstanding Corporate Citizen Award Nomination Form

Past Outstanding Corporate Citizen of the Year Award Recipients

COMMUNITY PARTNER OF THE YEAR

A member organization will be presented with this top achievement award to honor and recognize an outstanding non-profit organization. Applicants must have been a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3)or (6) of the Internal Revenue Code for atleast three years andhave a local governance and management structure in place. Award will be presented based on the following criteria:
o Mission/Program
o Governance
o Financial Management
o Fundraising
o Evaluation/Measurement
o Community Impact
o Chamber Involvement
The organization must be a current member of the Plano Chamber of Commerce. Nominations may besubmitted by the organization themselves.

2013 Community Partner of the Year Award Nomination Form

Past Community Partner of the Year Award Recipients

OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes an individual or family with a proven record of exceptional generosity who,
through direct financial support, has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility, and whose example encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles. The award is not necessarily picked annually but on an as warranted basis.

2013 Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year Award Nomination Form

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

An individual member or company will be presented with this top achievement award that promotes and supports the Chamber’s mission of promoting business in the Plano area. The member should exemplify innovative leadership within their business, as well as partnering with other Chamber members to promote the Chamber and passion for Plano. They must have demonstrated their commitment to the Chamber by their participation in Chamber events, committees, passion for the Chamber and overall integrity. This person must have been in business for at least 3 years and in good standing of the Plano Chamber of Commerce. This award recipient is also a new Chamber member within the past 12 months.

2013 Rookie of the Year Award Nomination Form

Past Rookie of the Year Award Winners

AMBASSADOR MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

The Ambassador Membership Development Award is presented to members who have excelled in Chamber leadership as an Ambassador. Chamber Ambassadors are the lifeblood of our organization. Assisting at registration tables at our numerous events, helping sales staff generate leads for new memberships, handling ceremonial duties required of them at Ribbon Cuttings and acting as diplomats throughout the year, our Chamber Ambassadors make the Plano Chamber of Commerce a great organization, with much recognition deserved.

Ambassador Chairman - Presented to the individual responsible for leading the four Ambassador Team Captains and four Co-Captains for the year.

Ambassadors Club Top Sales Award - Given to the Ambassador responsible for the highest number of new members recruited throughout the year.

Ambassador Goodwill/Spirit Award - Given to the Ambassador Team member who best personifies the qualities of leadership, direction and motivation for other Ambassadors Club Members.

Ambassador Club Ambassador of the Year - Given to the Ambassador who earned the most credits through volunteerism and participation in the given year.