Friday, September 21, 2012
4th Annual Gala Dinner Presentation at The Rosseau, a JW Marriott Resort & Spa

The Muskoka Awards
- showcase the efforts of those who have made a lasting difference
- honour personal achievement
- thank those who have championed causes that improve our lives

Nomination Categories
A person may be nominated in more than one category. A separate form should accompany each nomination.

Arts: This award celebrates individuals whose creativity, personal artistic achievements, support of the arts and/or leadership has had a significant impact on Muskoka’s arts community.

Natural Environment: The natural environment is the underpinning of Muskoka’s much-envied lifestyle. Individuals nominated for this award will have shown through their actions what can be done to lessen human impact on the environment. This award recognizes those who have shown a long-term commitment to preserving Muskoka’s well being and have encouraged others to practice good stewardship in the future.

Community Advocate: Through words and actions, individuals nominated for this award will have championed a cause or activity that has improved Muskoka and/or the lives of its residents.

Volunteer: Through their actions, individuals nominated for this award will have touched the lives of their fellow Muskokans and/or peoples in other parts of the world. Through their leadership and example, they will have made a difference in the lives of others.

Muskoka Businessperson of the Year: This annual award of distinction recognizes an individual who is an owner, manager or professional. Working in a business environment in the private sector, public sector or a “not-for-profit” organization, the recipient will have distinguished himself or herself as a successful businessperson. Through leadership, innovation, business success and contributions to the well being of the business community at large, the recipient is deserving of recognition for overall outstanding achievement.

Employee of the Year: This award recognizes an employee – working in a business environment in the private sector, public sector or a “not-for-profit” business – whose efforts have made a significant contribution to his or her employer.

Sports and Recreation: Through personal achievement, by providing leadership or by supporting the development of sports and recreational activities, the nominees for this award will have set an example for others. 

Youth: Individuals nominated for this award are 25 years of age or younger as of September 21, 2012. The focus of this award is the recognition of nominees who have done one or both of the following:

- made contributions to improving the community through volunteer service.

- demonstrated an ability to have a positive impact on their peers.

Muskoka Citizen of the Year: The individual selected as the recipient of this prestigious award will be chosen from all of the nominations received for the above-noted eight categories. Chosen at the discretion of the judges, the recipient of this award will be celebrated for their exemplary contributions to the people of Muskoka and/or the well being of Muskoka.

Muskoka Business of the Year - 1 to 14 employees: This award recognizes a private sector business with 1 to 14 employees that has demonstrated overall outstanding achievement, has a commitment to customer service and is an active contributor to the business community.

Muskoka Business of the Year - 15 or more employees: This award recognizes a private sector business with 15 or more employees that has demonstrated overall outstanding achievement, has a commitment to customer service and is an active contributor to the business community.

Community Organization: Nominees for this award will include volunteer organizations, associations, service clubs, religious groups, businesses or other non-profit groups that have undertaken projects and programs that have had significant positive impact on Muskokans. Any Muskoka-based organization or group that has been in operation since September 21, 2010, is eligible to be nominated. To be considered Muskoka-based, the organization must conduct its main operations in Muskoka or be the local branch of a provincial, national or international organization or group.

Eligible Nominees: Individuals, who have been permanent or seasonal residents of Muskoka since September 21, 2010, are eligible to be nominated. Eligible individuals are open for nomination in one or more categories.

For group or business nominations, please see the specific criteria of the category.

The following information is designed to help you outline the nominee’s achievements and contributions to the community. It is this information that will be used by the judges in selecting those individuals, groups or businesses which will be recognized with an award. Please follow this format and attach your submission to this nomination form.

It is the nominator’s responsibility to:

• Complete a nomination form.

• Write a supporting document of up to 1,000 words that outlines the nominee’s:

- contributions to Muskoka and its residents

- achievements

- qualifications and experience

- involvement in the community.

• Outline any other recognition or awards the nominee has received.

• Provide any additional information and letters of support that are helpful to the judges.

• Submit the completed nomination no later than 5:00 p.m. Friday, August 17, 2012

by E-mail to: susan.smith@sunmedia.ca

or hand-delivered to: Unit 12 – 440 Ecclestone Dr., Bracebridge, ON

or by mail to: Box 180, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1T6.

N.B. Nominations received after the deadline will not be accepted.