Categories

Description

This Outstanding Business Achievement Award recognizes businesses that make Lincoln stronger through their commitment to the community they serve. While strong leadership, innovation, and customer service are important qualities, this award is ultimately about the positive impact a business has beyond its products or services.

This award celebrates businesses that operate in the Town of Lincoln, give back, create opportunities, support local initiatives, strengthen the local economy, and contribute to the overall well-being and vitality of our community. Their impact may be seen through community partnerships, mentorship, sponsorships, volunteerism, local investment, advocacy, or other efforts that make Lincoln a better place to live, work, and do business.

This award is not simply about being the best at what you do. It is about using your success, resources, and influence to create value for others and leave a lasting positive mark on the Lincoln community.

If a business immediately comes to mind as you read this description, we encourage you to nominate them.

Requirements

• 1–10 Employees
• Employees can be seasonal, however MUST be full or part time and not contractors
• All profit-centred business organizations, operating within the Town of Lincoln, are eligible for nomination
• Nominees must have been in business for a minimum of three years
• OBAA award recipients from the last two years do not qualify unless they are eligible under a different category (Young Professional of the Year, Agri Business)
• It is not required that a nominee be a member of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

Criteria

Description

This Outstanding Business Achievement Award recognizes businesses that make Lincoln stronger through their commitment to the community they serve. While strong leadership, innovation, and customer service are important qualities, this award is ultimately about the positive impact a business has beyond its products or services.

This award celebrates businesses that operate in the Town of Lincoln, give back, create opportunities, support local initiatives, strengthen the local economy, and contribute to the overall well-being and vitality of our community. Their impact may be seen through community partnerships, mentorship, sponsorships, volunteerism, local investment, advocacy, or other efforts that make Lincoln a better place to live, work, and do business.

This award is not simply about being the best at what you do. It is about using your success, resources, and influence to create value for others and leave a lasting positive mark on the Lincoln community.

If a business immediately comes to mind as you read this description, we encourage you to nominate them.

Requirements

• 11–29 Employees
• Employees can be seasonal, however MUST be full or part time and not contractors
• All profit-centred business organizations, operating within the Town of Lincoln, are eligible for nomination
• Nominees must have been in business for a minimum of three years
• OBAA award recipients from the last two years do not qualify unless they are eligible under a different category (Young Professional of the Year, Agri Business)
• It is not required that a nominee be a member of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

Criteria

Description

This Outstanding Business Achievement Award recognizes businesses that make Lincoln stronger through their commitment to the community they serve. While strong leadership, innovation, and customer service are important qualities, this award is ultimately about the positive impact a business has beyond its products or services.

This award celebrates businesses that operate in the Town of Lincoln, give back, create opportunities, support local initiatives, strengthen the local economy, and contribute to the overall well-being and vitality of our community. Their impact may be seen through community partnerships, mentorship, sponsorships, volunteerism, local investment, advocacy, or other efforts that make Lincoln a better place to live, work, and do business.

This award is not simply about being the best at what you do. It is about using your success, resources, and influence to create value for others and leave a lasting positive mark on the Lincoln community.

If a business immediately comes to mind as you read this description, we encourage you to nominate them.

Requirements

• 30+ Employees
• Employees can be seasonal, however MUST be full or part time and not contractors
• All profit-centred business organizations, operating within the Town of Lincoln, are eligible for nomination
• Nominees must have been in business for a minimum of three years
• OBAA award recipients from the last two years do not qualify unless they are eligible under a different category (Young Professional of the Year, Agri Business)
• It is not required that a nominee be a member of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

Criteria

Description

The Non-Profit of the Year Award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and impact for the residents and businesses of Lincoln. While nominees do not need to be physically located within the Town of Lincoln, their programs, services, initiatives, or advocacy efforts must provide meaningful and measurable benefits to the Lincoln community.

This award celebrates non-profit organizations that work tirelessly to improve lives, address community needs, and create lasting positive change. Whether through direct services, education, advocacy, community-building, volunteer engagement, fundraising, or innovative programming, nominees should demonstrate a strong commitment to their mission and a clear impact on those they serve.

The award honours organizations that embody collaboration, accountability, and community spirit while helping make Lincoln a stronger, more connected, and more compassionate place to live, work, and grow. Their impact may be seen through support for families, youth, seniors, businesses, vulnerable populations, community development, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, arts and culture, or other initiatives that enrich our community.

In recognition of their contributions, the recipient of the Non-Profit of the Year Award will become the Chamber's annual charitable partner and beneficiary of Chamber fundraising initiatives throughout the following year.

If there is a non-profit organization whose work has made a meaningful difference for the people and businesses of Lincoln, we encourage you to nominate them.

Requirements

While nominees do not need to be physically located within the Town of Lincoln, their programs, services, initiatives, or advocacy efforts must provide meaningful and measurable benefits to the Lincoln community.

Criteria

Description

The Power of One Award recognizes an entrepreneur who has built and operated a successful business independently while making a meaningful contribution to the Lincoln community. This award celebrates individuals who demonstrate that one person, driven by passion, expertise, and determination, can make a significant impact.

Nominees must operate their business within the Town of Lincoln and provide products, services, or expertise that create meaningful benefits for Lincoln residents, businesses, or the broader community.

Nominees may work with contractors or specialized service providers as needed, but they do not employ permanent full-time or part-time staff. They are the primary driving force behind their business, responsible for its vision, operations, growth, and success.

This award recognizes entrepreneurs who embody resilience, innovation, and leadership while building a business that reflects their values and commitment to serving others. Whether through professional services, creative industries, trades, consulting, retail, or other ventures, nominees should demonstrate excellence in their field and a positive impact on the people they serve.

The Power of One Award celebrates the remarkable achievements of individuals who prove that a single person can create lasting value, build strong relationships, and strengthen the Lincoln community through their work.

If you know a solo entrepreneur whose dedication, impact, and commitment to Lincoln deserve recognition, we encourage you to nominate them.

Requirements

• Nominees must operate their business within the Town of Lincoln and provide products, services, or expertise that create meaningful benefits for Lincoln residents, businesses, or the broader community.
• Nominees may work with contractors or specialized service providers as needed, but they do not employ permanent full-time or part-time staff. They are the primary driving force behind their business, responsible for its vision, operations, growth, and success.

Criteria

Description

About the No Barrier Business Accessibility Award

The No Barrier Business Accessibility Award, presented by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce as part of the Outstanding Business Achievement Awards Ceremony, recognizes businesses in the Town of Lincoln that have demonstrated a genuine commitment to improving access, inclusion, and equity for people with disabilities.

Purpose & Intent

The purpose of this award is to raise awareness about the experiences and needs of people with disabilities and to celebrate businesses that actively remove physical, digital, social, and systemic barriers. The No Barrier Business Accessibility Award highlights organizations that embed accessibility into their operations, customer experiences, and workplace culture — striving to create environments where people with disabilities can fully participate. By recognizing these achievements, the Chamber of Commerce encourages the business community to view accessibility as a core value and a driver of inclusive, responsible business leadership.

Requirements

Businesses may be eligible for this award if they have made efforts to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, including at least one of the following areas (businesses are not required to have made efforts in all of the following areas to be nominated):

• Improving accessibility in physical spaces, customer service practices, and digital platforms
• Designing inclusive products, services, or experiences that support a wide range of disabilities (physical, sensory, cognitive, neurological, or mental health)
• Implementing inclusive workplace policies, accommodations, and employee supports
• Providing accessibility and disability inclusion training
• Going beyond minimum compliance to create meaningful, real-world impact 

Businesses whose efforts have demonstrably reduced barriers and expanded opportunities for people with disabilities are encouraged to apply or accept nomination.

Criteria

Description

The Agri-Business of the Year Award recognizes a business, organization, or enterprise that demonstrates outstanding achievement within Lincoln's agricultural sector. From family farms and growers to food and beverage producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, and agricultural support services, this award celebrates those who help drive one of the community's most important industries forward.

This award honours organizations that combine strong business practices with innovation, leadership, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Recipients are recognized not only for their success within their field, but also for their contribution to the long-term strength, sustainability, and advancement of agriculture in Lincoln and beyond.

Agriculture is deeply woven into the identity of Lincoln, and this award celebrates those who are shaping its future. Whether through diversification, environmental stewardship, workplace excellence, technological innovation, community involvement, or industry leadership, nominees should demonstrate a clear commitment to growing both their business and the agricultural sector as a whole.

The Agri-Business of the Year Award is about more than operational success. It recognizes those who are preserving traditions, embracing new opportunities, supporting their communities, and ensuring that Lincoln remains a leader in agriculture for generations to come.

If an agricultural or agri-business organization comes to mind as you read this description, we encourage you to nominate them.

Requirements

1. Can range from a farming enterprise through to a beverage and food producer
   and can include support organizations such as warehouses, wholesalers,
   processors, and retailers.
2. Has the characteristics of a successful business with diversification, innovation,
   sound business practices, workplace safety, and community involvement.
3. Shows leadership and outstanding achievement with their sector and has a
   propensity to continuous improvement.
4. Demonstrates a commitment to the environment and the advancement and
   sustainability of the agriculture industry.
5. Shows a high level of care and concern for the community and has elements of
   social enterprise in their corporate culture

Criteria

Description

The Community Impact Award recognizes an individual, business, or organization that has made a meaningful and lasting difference in the Lincoln community. This award celebrates those who go beyond their day-to-day role to strengthen our community through leadership, generosity, service, mentorship, advocacy, or community-building efforts.

Community impact can take many forms. It may be a large-scale initiative that brings people together and creates lasting change, or it may be the quiet, consistent commitment of someone who continually shows up to support others.

Past recipients illustrate the many ways impact can be made. Michael Ecker (of Vineland Growers) has transformed a fundraiser his late wife, Debbie, had started into a lasting community tradition. What began as a tribute has grown into an annual event that continues to bring the community together while raising more than six figures each year for Community Care of West Niagara.

Alan Gerritsen (of Jerry's Auto Body) exemplifies another kind of impact. Through years of supporting local sports teams, mentoring young people, and quietly contributing his time, expertise, and resources to community organizations, he has helped shape future leaders and strengthen the fabric of Lincoln.

The Community Impact Award is not solely about fundraising or recognition. It is about creating something bigger than yourself. It is about the people who inspire others to get involved, lend a hand, build connections, and make Lincoln a better place to live, work, and grow.

If someone comes to mind as you read this, we encourage you to nominate them.

Criteria

Description

The InspireHER Award celebrates a woman entrepreneur whose journey, leadership, and determination inspire those around her. This award recognizes women who have pursued their vision with courage, overcome obstacles, embraced opportunities, and built something meaningful through their passion, perseverance, and hard work.

Success is not measured solely by years in business, company size, or revenue. Instead, this award honours the stories behind the achievement—the challenges faced, the risks taken, the lessons learned, and the resilience demonstrated along the way.

Nominees must have been in business for a minimum of three years. They may be growing a new venture, an established business, pivoting through challenges, breaking barriers in their industry, or creating opportunities for others. What sets them apart is their ability to inspire those around them through their leadership, authenticity, and commitment to their goals.

The InspireHER Award recognizes women who lead with confidence, lift others as they rise, and demonstrate that success can be achieved in many different ways. Their impact may be seen through their business accomplishments, community involvement, mentorship, advocacy, innovation, or the example they set for future generations of women entrepreneurs.

This award is about celebrating the power of possibility. It honours women whose stories remind us that determination, courage, and belief in oneself can create extraordinary outcomes.

If there is a woman entrepreneur whose journey inspires you, we encourage you to nominate her.

Criteria

Description

The Niagara Benchlands Tourism Award of Excellence recognizes a business, organization, attraction, or tourism operator that plays a significant role in showcasing Lincoln and the Niagara Benchlands as a premier destination to visit, explore, and experience.

This award celebrates those who go beyond providing exceptional products, services, or experiences. It honours businesses that actively contribute to the growth of tourism in our community by attracting visitors, creating memorable experiences, and encouraging people to discover all that Lincoln and the Niagara Benchlands have to offer.

Nominees may include accommodations, wineries, restaurants, attractions, retailers, tour operators, event organizers, agricultural experiences, cultural organizations, or other tourism-related businesses whose efforts help drive visitation and economic activity within the community.

Successful nominees demonstrate a commitment to hospitality, innovation, collaboration, and excellence. They serve as ambassadors for the region, working to elevate Lincoln's profile while creating positive experiences that encourage visitors to return, stay longer, and share their experiences with others.

The Niagara Benchlands Tourism Award of Excellence recognizes those who help tell our story, showcase our unique character, and inspire visitors to experience the people, places, and experiences that make our region extraordinary.

If you know a business or organization that is helping put Lincoln and the Niagara Benchlands on the map, we encourage you to nominate them.

Requirements

The following attributes may be considered when evaluating nominees:

• Demonstrates vision and innovation in their business practices, visitor experiences, or tourism offerings.
• Exhibits a strong record of business success while contributing to the growth of tourism in Lincoln and the Niagara Benchlands.
• Achieves high levels of customer satisfaction and delivers exceptional visitor experiences.
• Demonstrates a commitment to employee development, training, and hospitality excellence.
• Engages with local organizations, attractions, businesses, and community partners through collaborative initiatives and partnerships.
• Implements marketing and promotional efforts that attract visitors to Lincoln, the Niagara Benchlands, and the broader Niagara Region.
• Has earned recognition through local, regional, provincial, national, or international awards, accolades, or industry achievements.
• Demonstrates measurable contributions to increasing visitation, tourism awareness, or visitor spending within the community.

Description

This award recognizes a local professional under the age of 40 who consistently demonstrates excellence in their occupation and/or has successfully navigated the ever-evolving challenges of entrepreneurship.

The recipient is a driven and emerging leader who has achieved notable professional success, demonstrated innovation and initiative, and made a meaningful contribution through their work.

Nominees must either work, operate a business, or make a significant professional contribution within the Town of Lincoln. The achievements for which they are being nominated should demonstrate a positive impact on the Lincoln community through leadership, service, innovation, business growth, or community involvement.

Requirements

The following attributes may be considered when selecting the Young Professional of the Year recipient:

• Demonstrates excellence and professionalism within their field

• Exhibits leadership, initiative, and a commitment to continuous growth

• Has achieved measurable success in their career or business

• Demonstrates innovation, creativity, or entrepreneurial spirit

• Makes meaningful contributions to the Town of Lincoln through their professional work

• Is engaged in community initiatives, volunteerism, mentorship, or local partnerships

• Serves as a positive role model for other emerging professionals

Criteria