The Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce opens up nominations for the Annual TACC Business Awards to members, sponsors, partners and the public. Nominations are due January 22. Awards will be presented February 5, 2010 at the 15th Annual Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce Annual Lunar New Year Gala. Please contact Yvonne Lim Wilson for nomination forms by calling 512-485-1090 or emailing tacc@txasianchamber.org.

Objective

• Recognize global innovators that are strengthening ties between Central Texas and Asia;
• Recognize the vital economic contributions made by companies and individuals to advance Asian American businesses;
• Create an environment encouraging entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability and volunteerism.

Award Categories

1. Small Business Person of the Year: This award honors an Asian American business leader sustaining and growing business and employment opportunities. This person demonstrates strong will and exceptional ability to resolve complex issues and bring creative solutions to one’s business, and may also provide leadership in advancing the interests of small businesses in TACC’s service area.
2. Global Innovation Award: This award recognizes a company or individual for innovative product or services offered, or innovative business process and business model created, or innovating collaborative relationships that strengthens economic ties between Asia and Austin. The innovation has significant positive impact on its business and/or its industry or global economy. 
3. Sustainability Leadership Award: This award honors a company or individual for commitment to ecological responsibility and stewardship or for innovative creation, commercialization and distribution of green products and services.
4. Chairman’s Award: The awardee is selected by the TACC Board Chair. This award recognizes respected individuals or organizations for their exemplary voluntary services to TACC and the community at large.

Nomination Process

• January 3: Request for nomination is publicized in the TACC newsletter, website and public meetings;
• January 3 – 22: To nominate a company or individual, provide a 150-word description to TACC Executive Director Yvonne Lim Wilson at tacc@txasianchamber.org by Saturday, Jan 22

Selection Process

• A Selection Committee shall be chaired by a board member. The committee shall consist of 3 or 5 members. They are not limited to TACC members.
• January 19-28: The Selection Committee meets to review and select a slate of award recipients;
• January 24-28: The chair of Selection Committee presents the selection to the board for board’s approval;
• Janary 28: TACC Board Chair notifies award recipients and invites them to the award ceremony. 

Award Ceremony

The awards will be presented at the 15th Annual TACC Lunar New Year Gala at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. TACC will publish a press release the week leading up to the gala to recognize the award recipients, to raise awareness of the awards and the TACC event.