“Expect the Best from West Virginia”
2009 Awards Program
The “Expect the Best from West Virginia Award” is presented by the Charleston Area Alliance to businesses and organizations that promote quality of life and excellence in the workplace and community. The purpose of the award is to showcase efforts that advance the Alliance mission to build a more vibrant community and prosperous economy and inspire pride and growth in our region and state.
The 2009 “Expect the Best Awards” will be presented at the Alliance’s “Annual Celebration,” to be held June 3 at the Clay Center. This gala celebration is attended by hundreds of business and community leaders and provides an uplifting forum for showcasing the people, places and organizations that are leading our region towards a brighter future.
One award in each of the following categories will be presented this year: 1) large organization: 50 or more employees; 2) small organization: under 50 employees; and 3) non-profit, government or non-traditional organization.
To enter:
To be eligible for consideration, each applicant must:
- Complete the application
- Provide a written summary, not to exceed four 8-1/2x11 pages, highlighting how the organization meets “Expect the Best” criteria in the following areas:
- Excellence in meeting organizational mission
- Investing in people
- Commitment to the community
- Planning for growth/the future
- Detail the organization’s quality initiatives during a 15-minute formal presentation to a panel of business and community leaders. Presentations will be scheduled for April 29 and/or April 30.
Expect the Best Awards Criteria:
Based on the information provided during the applicant’s presentation, judges will score how well the business meets the “Expect the Best Award” criteria, with a maximum score of 100 points.
The following topics must be covered during the 15 minute presentation to the panel of judges.
Points shown are the maximum available for each topic
I. Promoting excellence: 25 points
5 pt. A. What is your mission statement? 5 pt. B. How does your mission statement guide your business/operations? 10 pt. C. How do you measure your effectiveness in meeting your mission? (For example: quality programs, employee surveys, customer feedback, etc.) 5 pt. C. Provide examples of recent improvements that have resulted from your quality initiatives or customer/client feedback. II. People: 25 points
5 pt. A. How do you engage and empower employees in advancing your mission and furthering the quality process? (For example: employee communications, quality circles, etc.) 5 pt. B. How are employees recognized for quality service? 5 pt. C. What distinguishes your business/organization in providing a quality environment for employees? 5 pt. D. Describe your efforts to recruit and retain young employees and develop future leaders and managers of your organization (For example: mentoring and training programs; support of Leadership Kanawha Valley and Generation Charleston, etc.) 5 pt. E. Describe your efforts to build an inclusive workforce, management team and/or governing board. (For example: diversity outreach, ADA compliance, networks for women, young employees, etc.) III. Education initiatives: 10 points
5 pt. A. Describe current employee training programs. 5 pt. B. Describe your participation in community education programs and/or in programs building the community’s support for education. (For example: school-business partnerships, student internships, etc.) IV. Community enhancements: 20 points
10 pt. A. Describe your organization’s involvement in community-based “quality of life” initiatives. (For example: support of community and charitable activities through financial contributions and volunteer commitment.) 5 pt. B. Describe your organization’s involvement in promoting the economic well-being of your community and the State of West Virginia. (For example: participation in Charleston Area Alliance, use of local vendors and suppliers, “Made in WV” stamps, “Buy West Virginia” policies, etc.) 5 pt. C. Describe your efforts to incorporate sustainability principles into your operations. (For example: recycling programs, use of compact florescent lights, controlling energy use, etc.) V. Growth: 20 points
10 pt. A. How do you prepare for the future and manage growth? (For example: strategic plans.) 5 pt. B. Please provide recent examples of your organization’s growth, expansion or increase in effectiveness. 5 pt. C. What steps are you taking in response to current economic conditions?
