What is the age requirement for IMPACT Awards candidates?
To be eligible for consideration in the IMPACT Awards program, nominees must be over the age of 18 and under the age of 40 on September 30. Candidates who turn 40 between the nomination deadline and September 30 will NOT be eligible.
How do I nominate someone for IMPACT Awards?
To nominate someone, visit us online before 5 PM on August 21 and fill out the nomination form. You just need your nominee's name, company name, and a brief explanation of why you think they should be selected as an IMPACT Award recipient. We then go straight to the source and get all the information we need directly from the nominee.
Can I nominate myself for the IMPACT Awards?
Yes, just select the "Nominee is self-nominating" check box on the nomination form. Once the nomination period is over, you will also need to complete an application to be considered as a potential IMPACT Award recipient.
Can I nominate more than one person?
You can nominate as many people as you'd like. And you can nominate anyone: colleagues, friends, family members or someone you know through their work in the community.
Can I nominate a group or a pair of people as co-nominees?
The Cartersville-Bartow Chamber does not accept co-nominations.
Will the nominees be told who nominated them?
No. The nominees will be told that they were nominated and that they need to fill out the application form to complete the nomination, but we won't tell them who nominated them. Please feel free to tell them yourself if you'd like.
Does being nominated multiple times help my nominee?
No. The judges will look strictly at the application form that has been filled out by the nominees themselves.
The person I want to nominate lives outside of Bartow County. Can I still nominate them?
Yes. All IMPACT Awards winners should have a strong connection to the Bartow County community. They can live outside of the county but must be employed by a Cartersville-Bartow Chamber Member.
I received an email saying I was nominated. What do I do now?
Congratulations, someone has nominated you for the Cartersville-Bartow Chamber IMPACT Awards. To accept the nomination, you must fill out the application form via the link included in your notification email by 5 PM on Wednesday, September 11.
The application includes questions about your career development, service to the community, and other professional and personal development. As part of the application, you will need to submit a resume or CV, two (2) reference letters, and a headshot. There is a $25 application fee that must be paid online at the time of submission.
Why do I have to complete the application if I was already nominated?
We need you to give us a clear picture of who you are and why you should be considered as a potential Cartersville-Bartow Chamber IMPACT Award recipient. Your nomination is judged strictly on what you put in this application — the information you provide and how clear and concise it is.
What will happen if I don't complete the application form?
If you have been nominated but you do not complete the application form, you will not be eligible for the IMPACT Awards program and your information will not be sent to our judges for consideration.
How are the IMPACT Awards recipients selected?
Depending on the number of applications received, the Cartersville-Bartow Chamber staff may create a short list of well-rounded candidates who have achieved high levels in both career and volunteer work. We look for those nominees who best embody the values of the Cartersville-Bartow Chamber and the IMPACT Awards program.
The short list of nominees is sent to our judging panel made up of leaders outside the Bartow community. The panel reviews these nominations, debates the merits of the candidates, and scores their achievements. Combined judges scores will determine the final IMPACT Awards recipients for the year.
What makes an application stand out from the pack?
Our judges look for nominees who have high achievements in the areas of their field, which includes community work, so try to be as specific as possible when you are filling out the application form. Measurable achievements should be included and could include achievements such as increasing profits, awards from professional associations or other groups, or completion of a project. However, we know that many achievements aren't easily quantified or previously acknowledged, so give us as much detail as you can.
The judges will also look for community and volunteer involvement that speaks to the nominee's willingness to help others, as well as their commitment and contribution to our community. Again, be as specific as possible. But try to be succinct — remember the team shortlisting the applications and the judges must read through a huge amount of information. Make your nomination shine by making your point quickly and clearly.
When will I find out if I have been selected as an IMPACT Awards winner?
The IMPACT Awards recipients will be announced in the fall. Applicants who are not selected as a recipient will also be notified via email at that time.
What happens if I have been selected?
Congratulations! You will be contacted by the Cartersville-Bartow Chamber to arrange for a photo shoot. If you plan on being away for any length of time in September or October, please notify the Cartersville-Bartow Chamber when you are contacted.
If I am selected, can I be disqualified?
Yes. Nominees must make themselves available for a photo shoot between September and October. The Cartersville-Bartow Chamber reserves the right to remove nominees from the IMPACT Awards program at any time for any reason, including if the nominees can't make themselves available for sufficient time or if any of the information they submit in the nomination package is inaccurate, misleading, or if it changes.
Can I tell all my friends and family that I am an IMPACT Award recipient?
Yes — once the official announcement has been made. We know that if you are selected you will be excited, and we don't expect you to keep your selection as an IMPACT Award recipient a complete secret. We know you will likely tell your immediate family, but we want the announcement of the list to be a surprise, so please refrain from advertising your selection in any form, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. Failure to abide by this rule may result in your removal from the list. Please ensure anyone you do tell, including immediate family, knows how important it is that the information be kept under wraps until after the official announcement.
IMPACT Awards program FAQ revised August 1, 2024.
