The Best Place to Work Award is given to a business that has honest leadership with a clear vision and identity. Employees want to know where the company is pointed, what the company believes in and what everyone is working toward. They provide “flexible” growth for employees and a culture of collaboration. Great places to work are open about how the company is performing and craves honest feedback from its employees. They hire passionate people. And most of all these businesses create a fun atmosphere. 

Eligibility requirements: 

• Locally owned and operated 
  
• For-profit business or 501 (c)(3) charitable non-profit operating in Southern Arizona
• More than two years in operation
• 200 or fewer full-time employees 
  

The winner of the CopperPoint Small Business Leader of the Year Award clearly demonstrates that their company is not only financially solid but has cultivated a passionate group of people who love what they do. They’ve created lasting partnerships with clients and have created a positive reputation inside and outside of the company. A business leader is self-aware, passionate, a critical thinker, courageous, confident and authentic. They are positive and emotionally intelligent. They dare to be different and are proactive. But most of all, they know how to communicate and lead. 

Nomination Criteria:

Eligibility requirements:

• Locally owned and operated
• For-profit business
• More than two years in operation
• 200 or fewer full-time employees 

This award is judged on a company’s gross revenue, employee and compensation expenditure growth and how the company has faced challenges. They lead by example and find new and inventive ways to reach and engage their workforce. They support their employees, grow their employees, and most importantly, listen to them. Through these practices their business succeeds in showing how their sales increased over a two-year period and how their management structure, work environment, along with their products and/or services led to their company’s growth. 

Eligibility requirements:

• Locally owned and operated
• For-profit business
• More than two years in operation
• 200 or fewer full-time employees 

From professional culture to products and services – innovation multiplies the inertia of growth.  Sometimes that energy can be scary and uncertain – propelling you into uncharted waters without a compass or a flashlight.  Other times it brings breakthroughs and exhilaration.  Always, innovation moves you from where you used to be to someplace in the future.  This award honors businesses who are catalytic, innovative, maybe even scare themselves, all while moving forward.  Nominate your business or one you admire for a product/service, process, position or problem-solving model you believe deserves to be recognized as Southern Arizona’s most innovative.  

Eligibility requirements: 

• Locally owned and operated
• For-profit business
• More than two years in operation
• 200 or fewer full-time employees

The Startup of the Year winner will demonstrate a high level of entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, perseverance, innovation, creativity and determination. To be considered startup teams must show that their venture solves a true problem for a group of customers. They may have a tangible product, technology or customer service system. Moreover, they will show how their innovation contributes to the community and has or will have an impact worldwide. 

Eligibility requirements: 

• Startup located and operating in Southern Arizona 
• Startup definition: a temporary organization forming a repeatable and sustainable business model that meets a market need 
• The startup must have at least two founders or team members who are doing most of the work for the company 
• The startup may be in pre-revenue or early revenue stages and should have a validated value proposition 
• The startup should have the intent to solve a significant social or business challenge 

This award recognizes a nonprofit group that has made a significant contribution to Southern Arizona. In 2021 special emphasis will be noted to those organizations who effectively navigated the pandemic, as well as made strides towards social justice/diversity/equity/inclusion in their work policies and program services. The winner in this category will demonstrate how they improved the quality of life for the individuals they serve through their programs, services, and effective management. Organizations must also show how they provide an excellent work environment and culture for their employees, as well as stay current with emerging trends in their field of work. Successful candidates will explain how their contributions positively impact the local economy, and how they communicate their success to the general public. 

Eligibility requirements: 

• 501 (c)(3) charitable non-profit operating in Southern Arizona
• More than two years in operation

This award is given to a company that demonstrates leadership and can be considered a best practice in creating, offering and advancing internships, externships, tuition reimbursement programs and/or work-based learning programs. All companies have a shared responsibility to further develop the skills of their employees and these businesses are the true champions for people in today’s challenging and complex labor market. 

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion Award is presented to a business that has demonstrated a commitment to building a workforce that reflects the rich diversity in the communities in which we live, work, and play. They are places where all are encouraged and empowered to thrive as their most authentic selves. They nurture a culture of belonging and actively mitigate barriers to growth opportunities. As an effective and visible leader, they are setting the example for others to follow and making Tucson and Southern Arizona better every day. 

Eligibility requirements:

• Locally owned and operated
• For-profit business or 501 (c)(3) charitable non-profit operating in Southern Arizona
• More than two years in operation
• 200 or fewer full-time employees 

The Shirley Wilka Perseverance Award honors a woman who started working at Tucson Metro Chamber as a high school intern in 1971 and continued to work at the Chamber for 50 consecutive years. This award was created to celebrate her legacy as well as to recognize other hardworking, loyal and resilient individuals.

1. What is the name of the individual? How long have they worked for the organization?
2. Describe how this individual has adjusted to different personalities within the staff, management changes, and/or company culture.
3. Describe the individual’s personality, work ethic and commitment to the company.
4. If the individual has changed positions within the company, name the titles/responsibilities.
5. Tell us more about why this individual should receive recognition for this award.

Eligibility requirements:

• Locally owned and operated
• For-profit business OR 501 (c)(3) charitable nonprofit
• More than two years in operation
• 300 or fewer full-time employees
• The nominee must have been with the company for at least 10 years