The Community Footprint Award

Given to a company or organization that demonstrates a commitment to a positive community legacy. How does this company’s efforts improve the lives of residents and/or visitors to our community? And/or does the company culture encourage accountability and promote sustainability. How does this company contribute to the overall quality of life and well-being of the community?

Beat the Odds Award

The statistics are against them – more than 50% of small businesses fail in the first four years. This award goes to the start-up that beat those odds. This start-up is innovative, thinks outside the box and has come up with something new to build a successful business. How have innovative ideas and best practices helped this start-up grow and attain a competitive edge in the market? How is this company lifting up its team to success?

The Risk-Taker Award

Our local economy needs these visionaries, dreamers, and above all, bold risk-takers.
This award will go to the entrepreneur who is not afraid to take a challenge. This business leader encourages professionalism and integrity as top priorities in their business culture. As a leader, this person influences the company’s proven success in sales and profits, increases jobs and adds value to the local economy. How does this entrepreneur adapt and remain relevant in a competitive world?

Women Championing Women Award

Given to a woman-owned enterprise that promotes the achievements of other women. Explain the role of the founder/owner in the day-to-day operations of this woman-owned business. How has the business forged new ways to deliver value to customers and community and encourage employee development? How has this business championed other women in the community?

Best Place to Work Award – small business ≤100 employees

Given to the small business that exemplifies an outstanding reputation for superior customer service, a strong work/life balance for employees, and is distinguished as a leader in their industry or community. As a small business ( ≤100 employees), how does this company provide superior customer service while maintaining competitively priced products or services? How does this company promote a proper work/life balance?  How is this business putting employees first and providing amenities and benefits that distinguish the organization as an industry leader for others to follow? How does this company create jobs, encourage employee leadership development, and contribute positively to the business community?

Best Place to Work Award – large company 100+ employees

Given to the business or organization that exemplifies an outstanding reputation for superior customer service, a strong work/life balance for employees, and is distinguished as a leader in their industry or community. As a large business (100+ employees), how does this company provide superior customer service and transparency to the public while maintaining competitively priced products or services? How does this company promote a proper work/life balance?  How does this business put employees first and provide amenities and benefits that distinguish the organization as an industry leader for others to follow? How does this company create jobs, contribute positively to the business community and insist on an atmosphere of fairness and respect for all employees?

Beat the Odds Award

Carlsbad Coastal Dental, Michael Thylin, D.D.S
CommonGrounds Workplace
JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Vista
Movetic, Inc.

The Risk-Taker Award

Caring Transitions of Carlsbad & La Jolla
Easy Life Management, Inc.
Gems of La Costa
Lotus Trolley Bag
Naked Clean

Women Championing Women Award

Elevate Printing Solutions
Guide My Finances
Melanie Robertson Photography
New Village Arts Theatre

Community Footprint Award

Nonprofit

Audeo Charter School II
Carlsbad Charitable Foundation
Community Resource Center
The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank/North County Food Bank
Wounded Warrior Homes

For Profit

Amsety LLC
Howes, Weiler & Associates
LEGOLAND California Resort
Nordson Corporation
O’Reilly Wealth Advisors
Point Loma Credit Union
Señor Grubby’s
Sullivan Solar Power

Best Place to Work Award

Small

Best-Rate Repair & Termite Co.
Brightway Insurance
Calsense
FMT Consultants, LLC
Fortis Fitness and Strength Training & YOGALUX
Fusion Factor Corporation
LendSpark Business Financing

Best Place to Work Award

Large

GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
Novasyte LLC
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
San Diego Gas & Electric
Viasat, Inc.