A Simple Guide to Choosing the Right BEA Category
Which Business Excellence Award is Right for You?
Applying for the Summit Chamber Business Excellence Awards is easier than you think — especially when you know exactly which category fits your business, team, or organization best.
This email will help you understand each category, who qualifies, and how to submit a stronger application.
Application Tips and Tricks
- Provide specific examples when answering questions
- Avoid general or high-level statements
- Answer ALL questions and ALL parts of each question
- Focus on accomplishments from calendar year 2025
- Download Tips and Tricks PDF
Category 1 – General Business Awards
New Business of the Year
Businesses that started or expanded into Summit County in 2024 or 2025. Open to any type or size of business.
Business Team of the Year
For businesses with two or more employees that can demonstrate an outstanding workplace culture. Focus should be on achievements from 2025.
beLocal Business of the Year
Recognizes businesses committed to supporting local spending, collaborating with other Summit County businesses, and promoting shop-local initiatives.
Category 2 – Business of the Year Awards
These awards recognize businesses of all sizes that have made meaningful contributions to their employees, customers, and the Summit County community.
How Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Employees are Calculated:
- Full-time employee = 1 FTE
- Part-time employee = 0.5 FTE
- 1099 contractors doing direct sales work = 0.5 FTE
Business of the Year:
- Small – 1–5 FTE employees
- Medium – 6–20 FTE employees
- Large – 21+ FTE employees
Category 3 – Community Champions
Non-Profit Program of the Year
Must be a registered nonprofit. Applications should highlight one specific program or service and its impact in 2025.
Government Department/Team of the Year
Open to local, state, or federal agencies serving Summit County. Applications should focus on one department or team and their 2025 accomplishments.
Ben Fogle Chamber Champion
Recognizes an individual from a Summit Chamber member business who actively participates in Chamber initiatives and supports its mission.
Reminder: You Can Apply for Two Awards
You may apply for one award in Category 1 and one in Category 2 on the same application, with just a few extra questions.
Apply for the Business Excellence Awards
Final Application Deadline: February 20
