• Embraces a corporate culture or values with the emphasis on community involvement and/or volunteerism;
•  Supports the local community through sponsorships of sports, events or other programs; donations of time, resources or funds; or creates initiatives or programs; and/or
•  Partners with or supports not-for-profit organizations, charities or service organizations or other community efforts.

• 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; and/or
• Has identified ways in which the business could operate more sustainably and takes steps to make the identified change(s).

• Business opened within last three years.
• Business owner identified a gap in West Lincoln for the product/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; and/or
• Uses new and/or innovative approaches or initiatives to benefit the business, its customers and/or the community.

• Single owner who organizes, manages and assumes the risk of business without the help of a partner (includes home-based businesses); and
• Demonstrates success in terms of sales or increase in customers

• An organization that services the community of West Lincoln and demonstrates excellent governance.
• Supports the community above and beyond expectations;
• Takes new and innovative approaches & initiatives to meet a need in our community; and/or
• Demonstrates growth in the areas of service to our community

• 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; and/or
• Demonstrates success in terms of sales and growth, impact on rural economy and local community, or as a local employer.

• Follows and practices best farming practices, animal husbandry and soil health to achieve long term  sustainability and minimize environmental impact;
• Exhibits the belief that farming and nature are interconnected and mutually supportive;
• Sustainability is integrated into the core philosophy and daily operation of the farm; 
• Raises awareness of nature-friendly farming, shares insights and experiences and works with the local community to encourage better food and agriculture policies; and/or
• Uses either traditional farming, organic farming or innovative farming practices to achieve sustainability and minimize environmental impact. 

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 except that the business must operate in West Lincoln. . 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.