AWARD CRITERIA
FARMER AWARD
Description:
This award celebrates a farmer in the Crocus Country region who demonstrates excellence in agriculture, stewardship of the land, and a strong commitment to their community. It recognizes the hard work, innovation, and resilience that define life on the farm.
Eligibility
- Must be actively engaged in farming within the Crocus Country region
- Open to farmers of all types: crop, livestock, mixed operations, etc.
- May be an individual, family, or partnership
- Must have been farming for at least 5 years
- Cannot be a large corporate operation with no local presence
WOMEN IN BUSINESS / LEADERSHIP AWARD
Description:
This award celebrates a woman business leader who is making a powerful impact through her leadership, innovation, and support of others in the Crocus Country region.
Eligibility:
• Must identify as a woman
• Must own, operate, or hold a senior leadership role in a business or organization serving the Crocus Country region
• Business must be in operation for at least 1 year
• May be self-nominated or nominated by another person
NON-PROFIT / SERVICE GROUP AWARD
Description:
This award recognizes a non-profit organization, service group, or community initiative that has made a meaningful and lasting impact in the Crocus Country region. Whether through advocacy, programming, or grassroots volunteerism, this group uplifts others and strengthens community life.
Eligibility
- Must be a non-profit, charity, or community service group
- Must operate within or actively serve the Crocus Country region
- Must have been operating for at least 1 year
- Must be volunteer-driven or dedicated to community service (e.g., Legion, Lions Club, 4-H, rec board, museum committee, etc.)
- Cannot be a business or organization that primarily generates private profit
RISING STAR AWARD
Description:
This award celebrates a new business (1–3 years in operation) that has already made a strong impression in Crocus Country through early success, innovation, and community engagement.
Eligibility:
• Must be in business between 1 and 3 years
• Located in or serving the Crocus Country region
• Demonstrates growth, customer engagement, and community involvement
• Cannot be a franchise of a national chain
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Description
This prestigious award recognizes an individual whose long-term commitment to business and community has made a lasting difference in Crocus Country. Through decades of dedication, leadership, and service, this person has helped shape the region and inspire others.
Eligibility
- Individual must live in or have made a significant impact in the Crocus Country region
- Should have a history of 20+ years of involvement in business, leadership, or community development
- May be retired or still active
- Cannot currently be serving on the CCEDC board or awards committee
- Cannot have received this award in the past
COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD
Description:
This award honours an individual that goes above and beyond in supporting the local community. Whether through volunteerism,
donations, mentorship, or simply showing up when help is needed — this nominee is a true local hero.
Eligibility:
• Open to individuals who reside in or serve the Crocus Country region
• Must demonstrate a clear commitment to community betterment
• Activities may include volunteerism, sponsorship, advocacy, mentorship, or event
organization
• Cannot be a current employee or board member of CCEDC
CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD
Description:
This award celebrates a business that stands out for consistently delivering top-notch customer service. From personal interactions to community reputation, this business makes every customer feel like a priority.
Eligibility:
• Any business located in or serving the Crocus Country region
• Must have been in operation for at least 1 year
• Demonstrates consistent, high-quality customer interactions across staff and platforms (in-person, phone, email, social media)
LEGACY AWARD
Description:
This award honours a business with 20 or more years of continuous service in Crocus Country. Their lasting presence and community commitment make them a cornerstone of the region.
Eligibility:
• Must have operated in the Crocus Country region for 20 years or more
• Can be in any industry
• Must demonstrate sustained commitment to customers, employees, and the local area
• Business must still be active and in good standing
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD
Description:
This award gives the power to the public! The People’s Choice Award celebrates a beloved local business that has earned the community’s support, loyalty, and admiration. The winner will be selected by attendees at the Crocus Awards event, based on in-person ballots submitted that evening.
Eligibility:
• Open to any business located in or serving the Crocus Country region
• Must be nominated by a community member, customer, or employee
• Business must be active and in good standing
• Must agree to have their name included on the public voting list
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD
Description:
This award recognizes a business that exemplifies excellence in operations, leadership, and community involvement. It is a shining example of what it means to do business in Crocus Country — resilient, innovative, and engaged.
Eligibility:
• Must be located in or serve the Crocus Country region (Municipality of Two Borders, Town of Melita, Municipality of Brenda-Waskada)
• Must have been in operation for at least 3 years
• Can be any size or sector
• Must not be a past winner of this award within the last 3 years