Oneonta Business Association
2021 Awards Process & Criteria
Nominations Due September 1. 2021
NOMINATIONS HAVE CLOSED!
TOP THREE NOMINEES IN EACH CATEGORY ANNOUNCED SOON!
About the Awards
The Oneonta Business Association annually honors individuals, organizations, and businesses for their significant role in driving Oneonta’s business community, tourism, and economic growth. Nominees set the standards for excellence, innovation, and community involvement. These awards provide exposure for your business or organization, recognize your success, and celebrate your achievements among the Oneonta business community.
Winners will be announced at our Annual Awards Celebration, “BBQ BRAVO,” on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. We will be teaming with Tin Town Brewing Company, Bell’s Stoked on Smoke BBQ, and the “80ators” tribute band on the 300 block of 1st Avenue East for a great celebration under the stars.
Eligibility Requirements: Those placing nominations must be an OBA member in good standing (or affiliated staff or volunteer) at the time of the nomination. Non‐members may also suggest possible nominees to members or the OBA board. Nominees must meet the criteria for the specific award for which they are nominated. Nominees are not required to be a member of the OBA but membership is encouraged. Past winners will not be considered for the same category. Deadline for all nominations is Sunday, September 1, 2021. A representative of the nominee must be present at the event to win. The top three nominees in each category will be the guests of the OBA (one courtesy admission).
An individual, organization or business may self-nominate, or another individual may nominate them in one of the categories. The Awards Committee reserves the right to move the nominee into another category during preparation of the materials for the judging. All nominee information forms, letters of support, newspaper clips, and any other information will be given to a panel of out-of-county judges who will determine winners. The judges’ decisions are final and will be honored.
Complete the nomination form online at oneontabusinessassociaon.com/awards or mail the completed form to OBA AWARDS, P. O. 1976, ONEONTA, AL 35121 by September 1, 2021. The top three nominees in each category will be contacted as to their acceptance of the nomination and asked to complete and return an informational form, documentation, and two letters of support by September 15, 2021.
Note: The VolunTeen of the Year award has a different nomination process in which Oneonta High School seniors must submit an essay and supporting documents as to their involvement within the community.
Winners will be announced at our Annual Awards Celebration, “BBQ BRAVO,” on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. We will be teaming with Tin Town Brewing Company, Bell’s Stoked on Smoke BBQ, and the “80ators” tribute band on the 300 block of 1st Avenue East for a great celebration under the stars.
Eligibility Requirements: Those placing nominations must be an OBA member in good standing (or affiliated staff or volunteer) at the time of the nomination. Non‐members may also suggest possible nominees to members or the OBA board. Nominees must meet the criteria for the specific award for which they are nominated. Nominees are not required to be a member of the OBA but membership is encouraged. Past winners will not be considered for the same category. Deadline for all nominations is Sunday, September 1, 2021. A representative of the nominee must be present at the event to win. The top three nominees in each category will be the guests of the OBA (one courtesy admission).
An individual, organization or business may self-nominate, or another individual may nominate them in one of the categories. The Awards Committee reserves the right to move the nominee into another category during preparation of the materials for the judging. All nominee information forms, letters of support, newspaper clips, and any other information will be given to a panel of out-of-county judges who will determine winners. The judges’ decisions are final and will be honored.
Complete the nomination form online at oneontabusinessassociaon.com/awards or mail the completed form to OBA AWARDS, P. O. 1976, ONEONTA, AL 35121 by September 1, 2021. The top three nominees in each category will be contacted as to their acceptance of the nomination and asked to complete and return an informational form, documentation, and two letters of support by September 15, 2021.
Note: The VolunTeen of the Year award has a different nomination process in which Oneonta High School seniors must submit an essay and supporting documents as to their involvement within the community.
Edwards-Shaddix Citizen of the Year Award - Criteria
This award was created in honor of the late Darrell Edwards and Wayne Shaddix who were integral in the creation and foundation of the Oneonta Business Association. Past Winners: Paul Allred (2014), Daniel Clem (2015), Tim Chamblee (2016), Chuck Morrison (2017), Bud Jones (2018), Robbie McAlpine (2019).
- A commitment to community service over a considerable and/or continuous period of time.
- A significant contribution to the well‐being of the community and business of Oneonta through personal service on a volunteer basis.
- Positive and inspiring personal attributes, showing qualities such as versatility, flexibility, and perseverance.
- Personal effort that has made a lasting and significant difference to the quality of life in Oneonta.
- An exceptional or extraordinary history of achievement in community service in Oneonta.
Business of the Year Award - Criteria
Based on the following criteria, nominate one BUSINESS for this award and provide reasons for the nomination on the ballot. Past Winners: Miller’s Soda Shoppe (2014), Classic Collision (2015), YellowHammer Photography (2016), and Klassy K9‐Sassy Kat (2017), Alpine Advertising/WCRL (2018), Olive Home (2019).
- Must have been in business for at least three or more years.
- Exhibits business growth (evidenced by increased sales, expansion).
- Provides excellent customer service and courteous staff.
- Utilizes Innovative and creative promotion of business.
- Participates in community and charitable efforts and events.
- Takes pride in the appearance of the business, both inside and out.
- Supports other local merchants and charitable events/organizations.
Emerging Business of the Year - Criteria
Prior Winners: Weathers Ace Hardware (2014), Main Street Family Urgent Care (2015), Pink Porch Market (2016), Analog on Third (2017), Alabama Pediatric Therapy Services (2018), The Makers Downtown (2019).
- Must have opened for business in Oneonta after October 1, 2018.
- Made an outstanding contribution to the local economy and the entrepreneurial spirit.
- Excels in customer service and exhibits effective leadership and management.
- Takes pride in the appearance of the business, both inside and out.
- Participates actively in the community and contributes to the good and welfare of Oneonta.
Organization of the Year - Criteria
Prior Winners: OFFER (2016), Blount County Children’s Center (2017), Oneonta Public Library (2018) & Animal Adoption Center of Blount County & Covered Bridge Players (tie for 2019).
- Must be a non‐profit organization located in the city limits of Oneonta and/or serving Oneonta.
- Shows exceptional achievements in building the community and enhancing the quality of life in Oneonta.
- Demonstrates outstanding contributions and/or service to the community and exhibits stability and growth in recent years.
Volunteer of the Year - Criteria
Prior Winners: Patti Moss Williams (2014), Jim Sims (2015), Richard Phillips (2016) and Sharon Breaseale (2017), Gary W. Clements (2018), Tara Murphree (2019).
- Contributes to the business leadership of Oneonta.
- Gives to better the quality of life in Oneonta.
- Demonstrates leadership, organization, cooperation, and team‐work and inspires others to serve our community.
- Goes the "extra mile" in carrying out the mission of the OBA.
- Contributes to the good and welfare of Oneonta.
VolunTeen of the Year - Criteria
Prior Winners: Briar Fowler (2018) and Savannah Patterson (2019).
Note: The VolunTeen of the Year award has a different nomination process in which Oneonta High School seniors must submit an essay and supporting documents as to their involvement within the community.
Note: The VolunTeen of the Year award has a different nomination process in which Oneonta High School seniors must submit an essay and supporting documents as to their involvement within the community.
