• Business operates in West Lincoln.
• The business embraces a corporate culture or values that has an emphasis for community involvement and/or volunteerism.
• Undertaken an initiative(s) in support of our local community (for example: giving back to the community through sponsorship of education, sports, community events, donation of time/money and participation in community events).
• Partners with or supports not-for-profit organizations, charities, service organizations or other community efforts with a time or financial commitment.
• There are no restriction on company size or length in business

• Business operates in West Lincoln.
• The business embraces a corporate culture or values that reflect an emphasis on sustainability and environmental impact.
• Operates with products/services or processes that minimize the business’ impact on the environment or resources.
• Has identified ways in which the business could operate more sustainably and took steps to make the identified change.
• There are no restriction on company size or length in business.

• Business operates in West Lincoln.
• Opened their business in the past 3 years.
• Business owner identified a gap in West Lincoln for the product or service or offered a new way of providing an existing product or service.
• Business is working to establish a reputation for integrity and a high level of customer service.
• Uses new and/or innovative approaches or initiatives to benefit the business, its customers and/or the community.

• Business operates in West Lincoln, established or new business.
• Single owner who organizes, manages and assumes the risk of business without the help of a partner.
• Demonstrates success in terms of sales or increase in customers.

• An organization that services the West Lincoln Community.
• The organization supports the community above and beyond expectations.
• The organization demonstrates exceptional governance.
• Takes new and innovative approaches & initiatives to meet a need.
• Demonstrates growth in the areas of service to our community.

• Business operates in West Lincoln.
• A retail business, or service associated with agriculture, including roadside markets, sales of items or services created to support local agriculture practices, including feed sales, bedding, equipment repair, barn cleaning etc. 
• Contributes to the local agricultural industry by promoting agricultural operations and raising awareness of local farms, and their product/service.
• Demonstrates success in terms of sales and growth, impact on rural economy and local community, or as a local employer.
• No restriction on company size or length in business.

• Operates farm in West Lincoln.
• Exhibits the belief that farming and innovation can go hand in hand.
• Follows and practices best farming practices, animal husbandry and soil health to achieve long term  sustainability and minimize environmental impact.
• No restriction on farm size or length in business.

The Spirit of the Chamber Award recognizes the business owners that best represent the chamber’s values and mission, who are committed to fostering economic growth, who offer invaluable support to their fellow business owners, who are committed to the well-being of their employees, and who demonstrate a commitment to the community of West Lincoln.

There are no set criteria for this award. Nominators should consider all aspects of a business and how the business owner conducts business in our community. If there is a business you want to recognize that doesn’t fit into one of the other categories, nominate that business in the Spirit of the Chamber category and tell us why they should be recognized.