Merced nominations underway for Excellence in Business Awards

The Merced Sun-Star on Wednesday launches a new program aimed at recognizing the community’s best businesses and their owners.

The Excellence in Business program will grant eight awards to area businesses, and one person in the community will receive the Hall of Fame award. Winners will be announced July 29 in the Sun-Star.

A special section highlighting each winner will be published in the newspaper Sept. 24.

“ ‘Excellence in Business’ will shine a much-needed spotlight on the many successful businesses that call Merced County home, and we couldn’t be happier to begin this exciting program,” Joe Kieta, editor of the Sun-Star and The Modesto Bee, said. “We’re also thrilled to partner with Hilmar Cheese to make this a reality.”

The awards luncheon to honor the winners will be held Sept. 24 at the Hilmar Cheese Co. Inc., 9001 Lander Ave. in Hilmar.

Awards for businesses will be handed out in the following categories: agribusiness, charities/nonprofits, finance/banking/insurance, health care, manufacturing, professional services, real estate/development, and small business, defined as having fewer than 50 employees.

Nominees will be judged on the following criteria: high ethical standards in business and professional dealings, success/growth, employee/customer service, service to the community, and concern for the environment.

Nominations are being accepted from Merced County. Nominees will be judged by a panel of professionals.

To nominate a business or to nominate a person for the Hall of Fame award, click here or visit the Sun-Star website at www.mercedsunstar.com/business.

The deadline to submit nominations is July 16.

This story was originally published June 9, 2015 at 5:09 PM with the headline "Merced nominations underway for Excellence in Business Awards."