Now in its fourth year, the Shining Star Awards, hosted by the Northeast Berks Chamber of Commerce, Kutztown, will be held on Sept. 28, at the Berkleigh Golf Club, 14623 Kutztown Road.
The event-planning committee is chaired by Sherry Christman, owner of Elite Business Solutions, Hamburg. She was the 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year.
Award nominee eligibility requires a membership in good standing with the Northeast Berks Chamber of Commerce and established business for a minimum of one full year.
Criteria for qualifying businesses and nonprofits is presented for six awards categories: Small Business, Mid-Sized Business, Large Business, Nonprofit, Entrepreneur, and Advocate. The Entrepreneur and Advocate categories focus on an individual; whereas, the remaining four categories focus on the business or nonprofit, itself. The Member of the Year will now be recognized on May 17 at the first Annual Chamber Dinner. Nominations both for other chamber members and self-nominations will be considered.
Small Business of the Year is reserved for a business with 12 or fewer employees. In this business, owners and employees are driven to success by providing valuable products or services to their community. They then harness their success to promote the overall welfare of the community.
Mid-sized Business of the Year is a business with 13-50 employees. In this business, owners and employees are driven to success by providing valuable products or services to their community. They then harness their success to promote the overall welfare of the community.
Large Business of the Year is reserved for a business or corporation with 51+ employees. This will be a civic-minded and philanthropic organization whose employees engage in some type of community service activities. This business will demonstrate passion for and commitment to both its employees and the community at large.
Nonprofit of the Year (any size) will be a nonprofit of any size that has been actively engaged in improving the welfare and well-being of their community. This business will demonstrate passion for and commitment to both its employees and the community it serves.
Entrepreneur of the Year is an individual who is driven to make a difference for the clients he or she serves and the community. The person has a passion for what he or she does, is goal-oriented, and is committed to achieving his or her personal best.
Advocate of the Year is reserved for an individual who has tirelessly advocated on behalf of his or her community and his or her business. This member, who may be involved with either a for-profit or non-profit business, is visible, determined, and passionate about both business and community causes.
Members of Berks Schuylkill SCORE will again partner with the Northeast Berks Chamber, forming a judging panel to evaluate nominations for ranking purposes. The online nominations process is open now at https://www.northeastberkschamber.com/home/shiningstarawards/.
Dinner reservations are also underway with Early Bird pricing. The deadline is July 30. During the first hour, an exclusive cocktail reception will be held for event sponsors with Dr. Madonna; another one will be held simultaneously for guests.
Dr. G. Terry Madonna, sponsored by Antanavage Farbiarz, PLLC, Hamburg, will be the keynote speaker.
For more information, contact Lori B. Donofrio-Galley, Executive Director, at 610-683-8860, or email ldg@northeastberkschamber.com.
