This award recognizes a business that consistently goes above and beyond in supporting and valuing its employees. The organization prioritizes cultivating its people as much as achieving its business goals and fosters a positive workplace culture where individuals feel inspired, respected, and empowered to thrive. It demonstrates a strong commitment to workplace excellence through initiatives that foster a positive, inclusive, and healthy work environment, including professional growth, mental health, diversity, and work-life balance. This award celebrates businesses that set a high standard for what it means to be a great place to work.

Award Criteria:

• Employee Development - invests in training, mentoring, and growth opportunities that support professional and personal development.
• Employee Engagement & Retention - fosters a culture of trust, recognition, open communication, and feedback, resulting in high employee satisfaction and retention.
• Workplace Culture - promotes an inclusive, respectful, and supportive workplace culture that reflects shared values and a sense of belonging.
• Health, Wellness & Work-Life Balance - encourages physical and mental well-being through policies, benefits, and practices that promote a healthy and balanced work environment.

Award Eligibility:

• Business must be operating for a minimum of two years.
• Nominees must not have received this award in the past five years.
• Be operating at the time of nomination and at the time of presentation of the award.
• Operate within the region indicated on the map.
• Not have anyone in their management, on their board, or as an employee serving on the adjudication committee.
• Have a representative available to attend the Airdrie Regional Business Awards Gala on October 22, 2026.
• Complete and submit a Nominee form to be eligible.
• To be eligible as a finalist for the Airdrie Regional Business Awards, you must be a member of the Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce. Submissions from non-members will still be considered; however, if selected as a finalist, you will need to join the Chamber to maintain your eligibility.

NOTES: All nominations remain anonymous. Only one submission per business or organization is required to be nominated. Self-nominations are accepted in this category. The ARBA Planning Committee reserves the right to reallocate nominees into the appropriate award category if they are determined to be ineligible in the Employer Excellence Award category.