Sun-Star opens nominations for 2nd Excellence in Business

The Merced Sun-Star has launched its second annual program aimed at recognizing the community’s best businesses and their owners.

The Excellence in Business program will grant 10 awards to area businesses and one person in the community will receive the Hall of Fame award. Winners will be announced on Aug. 5 in the Sun-Star.

A special section highlighting each winner will be published in the newspaper on Sept. 22.

“ ‘Excellence in Business’ will shine a much-needed spotlight on the many succesful businesses that call Merced County home, and we couldn’t be happier to continue this exciting program for a second year,” said Michelle Morgante, managing editor of the Sun-Star.

The Sun-Star is partnering with the Hilmar Cheese Co. to organize an awards luncheon to honor the selected businesses and individuals. The event will be held Sept. 22 at the Hilmar Cheese headquarters, 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, small business (fewer than 30 employees), retail/wholesale, general business, and Hall of Fame.

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 within 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, visit the Sun-Star website at www.mercedsunstar.com/nomination.

The deadline to submit nominations is July 14.

This story was originally published June 15, 2016 at 4:12 PM with the headline "Sun-Star opens nominations for 2nd Excellence in Business."