Talk Business & Politics announces Western Arkansas Business of the Year program
by June 20, 2019 3:37 pm 457 views
Talk Business & Politics is launching a Business of the Year award program this fall designed to not only highlight efforts of businesses, non-profits and startup operations, but to consider their future impact on the Fort Smith region.
The program, sponsored by Oklahoma City-based OG&E, will take nominations and make selections in the following four categories.
• Business of the Year: This category will recognize businesses with 300 or more employees.
• Small Business of the Year: This category will recognize businesses with less than 300 employees.
• The Startup: This category will recognize a business founded in the Fort Smith metro within the past three years.
• Non-profit of the Year: This category will recognize a non-profit agency, with preference given to those unique to the area.
“It’s an exciting time to be a business in Fort Smith as our region experiences strong economic growth,” said Rob Ratley, OG&E community affairs manager. “That growth comes from vision and hard work, the same attributes that drive success in business. OG&E is pleased to sponsor the Talk Business & Politics Western Arkansas Business Awards and honor four businesses for their contribution to our region’s success.”
Unlike some area recognition programs, nominees and those chosen to receive category awards will not be solicited for advertising, nor will the selection process include a social media push for votes.
Factors for selection in the Talk Business & Politics Western Arkansas Business of the Year award program will include the success of the business, philanthropic efforts, leadership in the business community, and activities outside the region that reflect well on the region.
“Our goal with this effort is to recognize businesses and non-profits who are truly making a difference and are likely to continue being a positive for the region. This is not going to be a popularity contest, or some effort to boost advertising,” said Talk Business & Politics President and Executive Editor Michael Tilley. “There are some incredible businesses doing great things in the region, and we will use our platforms to tell their stories statewide and beyond.”
Category winners will be announced during a ceremony held in Fort Smith later this year.
Nominations can be made at this web page at Talk Business & Politics. The nomination window opens June 20 and closes July 31.