In a special collaboration with our chambers and business groups in Vernon County, we want to celebrate and acknowledge the people, businesses, educators, non-profits and events that make Vernon County such a great place to live, work and play! Nominations are now open for our first annual Vernon County Awards! Nominations will close September 1st. Winners will be announced this fall and an awards ceremony and banquet will be held on November 8 at Hillsboro Brewing Company. The Nomination categories are as follows... Nominate your favorites in Vernon County today!
Small Business of the Year Award: This award recognizes a small business (under 19 fulltime employees) that had a successful year, invested in the community, has a positive culture, has unique and innovative approaches, and/ or has overcome a significant business challenge.
Large Business of the Year Award: This award recognizes a large business (over 20 fulltime employees) that had a successful year, invested in the community, has a positive culture, has unique and innovative approaches, and/ or has overcome a significant business challenge.
Emerging Business of the Year Award: This award recognizes a company that is less than two years old and demonstrates a high level of entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, perseverance, innovation, and determination.
Person of the Year: This award recognizes an individual who went above and beyond to foster a sense of community and/or was impactful in the economic development realm. This person thought outside of the box to move their community forward.
Volunteer of the Year Award: This award identifies and recognizes an outstanding and innovative volunteers' effort. An individual who has taken their time and was active in making an organization successful.
Non-Profit of the Year Award: This award recognizes a nonprofit organization that demonstrates strong leadership, innovation, public cooperation, and shows community impact by demonstrating positive change because of the organization's work.
K-12 Educator of the Year Award: This award recognizes an exemplary educator who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to preparing students for success in life.
Rising Educator of the Year Award: This award recognizes an exemplary educator (under three years) who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to preparing students for success in life.
Special Educator of the Year Award: This award recognizes a special education teacher who has demonstrated outstanding achievement as a teacher in the field of special education.
Event of the Year Award: This award recognizes an event put on by a for-profit or not-for-profit organization that had a unique theme, provided community entertainment, and positive guest feedback.