eMacomb - Featured Article

Tips for Writing Your Winning Entry

Evaluating Nominations

A panel of judges will review each nomination received. They are provided with the following simple set of instructions for reviewing:

Please rate each 300‐word summary on a scale from one to five with five being the highest possible score:

5 = Uses qualitative and quantitative evidence to succinctly describe how company accomplishments fit award criteria. Provides measurable and impressive results. This company provides a summary that could serve as a “case study” or “blueprint” for others who might be inspired to accomplish similar goals.

4 = Describes how accomplishments meet the criteria using both qualitative and quantitative examples. Results are measurable and admirable.

3 = Provides a description of how company fits criteria but fails to include measurable results.

2 = Provides anecdotal evidence of how company fits criteria. Actual results are unclear.

1 = The summary, as provided, does not clearly communicate a match to the criteria.

As an example of a high‐scoring nomination, the following summary was submitted by the company selected as the 2013 Corporate Citizen:

The team at Omega Plastics has been an excellent corporate citizen throughout its years in Macomb County. This is largely driven by our purpose: To do great works so we can do good works. There is a fundamental belief that businesses have a unique opportunity to positively impact a community through its connection with people and resources. Here is a list of some of the activities the team at Omega has been involved with over the last two years:

Offer office space to Renewal Christian Counseling to help hurting members of our community. Starting off with one counselor years ago, Renewal continues to use Omega's facility to see over 150 clients per week.
Open our training center once a week for use by the Kensington Church men's group
Support the Hope Center in Macomb...they do a great job feeding our community
Donated backpacks and school supplies for under‐privileged kids in the area
Brought in Jason Hanson (Lions Kicker) to speak and sign autographs to Omega's employees and family members... everyone in our community needs a little encouragement!
Partnered with the MMTC to host one of their "Best Practice" events for local businesses
Partnered with John Bozzelli of Injection Molding Solutions to host his training seminar for local injection molders (helping to educate local molders).
Recently assigned an associate to oversee our community involvement activities
Top executives volunteer and support local non‐profits
Currently have a food/perishable goods drive going for Turning Point women's shelter (253 words)

Why it worked

The company explained its motivation for serving the community. It offered specific information about the types of support it offers the community with some measurable results. They told a great story in less than 300 words.

The deadline for submissions is Monday December 9 – self‐nominations are expected and encouraged!