• Nominations may be submitted by both members and non members of the Fauquier Chamber of Commerce
• Nominees may not have received the award in the last 10 years
• Nominations of active Board Members are not permitted.
• Business nominees must be an active member of the Chamber.
• Individual nominees must be a listed representative of an active Chamber members
• A person may only submit one nomination per category.
• Contact mailbox@fauquierchamber.org with any questions

Nominations will be accepted through September 20th, 2024

Below are the criteria for each of the six categories. Be sure to read the criteria for each category before nominating.

Clicking category title will take you to the nomination form.

The Business Person of the Year is given to the individual that by way of their actions and interactions with the community at large, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to Fauquier County's business growth and economic prosperity. The Business Person of the Year has shown outstanding leadership while producing notable benefit to the community by way of service, mentoring and economic outreach efforts.

Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following attributes:

• Exceptional Character & Trustworthiness
• Practices & Encourages Reputable Business Practices
• Active Involvement within the Community
• Support of the Entrepreneurial Spirit

The Business of the Year is given to the business that by way of the actions and interactions with the community at large, has demonstrated a commitment to Fauquier County's business growth and economic prosperity and workforce development. The Business of the Year demonstrates strong leadership while providing products and services that bring benefit within and beyond our local community.

Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following attributes:

• Trustworthiness in the Marketplace
• Practices & Encourages Reputable Business Practices
• Active Involvement within the Community
• Supporting the Workforce with Training & Retention

Entrepreneur of the Year is an individual who assumes the financial risk or starting and operating a business venture that has been in business for a minimum of 2 years. The individual by way of the actions and interactions with the community at large, has demonstrated strength of motivation while displaying creative and innovative business practices to achieve success. The individual is someone who has displayed a commitment to Fauquier County's business growth and economic prosperity. The Entrepreneur of the Year is someone who has shown outstanding leadership while producing notable benefit to the community by way of service to the community and mentoring the next generation of business leaders.

Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following attributes:

• Willingness to Accept Risk & Challenges
• Remains Diligent on Achievement
• Active Involvement within the Community
• Consistently Leads by Example

Emerging Leader of the Year is an individual who is 40 years of age or younger, and who has been active in the Fauquier County business community for more than 3 years. This person has demonstrated the potential for long-term growth and is active in the entrepreneurial community through advocacy, education and/or mentorship.

Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following attributes:

• Community Involvement - Involved in community service, whether civic, cultural, economic, charitable, or educational
• Initiative/Tenacity - Shows persistence, determination, perseverance, action, and implementation.
• Leadership - Demonstrates the ability to lead in his/her business & community.
• Professional Accomplishments - Shows achievement through measurable results; demonstrates career achievement.
• Vision - Foresight, direction, creativity, and resourcefulness while actively fostering a diverse and inclusive business community.

Volunteer of the Year is an individual that must have been involved in volunteering for the equivalent of at least 100 hours over a 12-month period. Nominees must have volunteered for a legitimate not-for-profit organization, service club or community group located in Fauquier County. The nominee shall be selected based on their contribution to the Fauquier County community whether made individually or through a variety of county based organizations. Contributions may be in the form of service rendered to individuals, groups or organizations with an emphasis on achievements bringing benefit to their fellow citizens.

The Non-Profit (501c tax filing) Business of the Year is given to the business that consistently and clearly communicates their mission and work towards accomplishing goals that serve not only a common purpose but the community at large as well. The Non-Profit Business of the Year has shown outstanding leadership while producing notable benefit to the community by way of service, mentoring and community outreach efforts. Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following attributes:

• Always puts Service above Self
• Communicates a Clear Mission & Purpose
• Builds Relationships with other Non-Profits
• Practices Long Term Philanthropy