Each year, OCCE honors distinguished Chamber of Commerce professionals with the following awards and recognition:

  • New Executive of the Year Award
  • Shelia Lee Executive of the Year Award
  • Outstanding Chamber Staff of the Year Award
  • Young Chamber Professional Rock Star
  • Hall of Fame Inductee Recognition
  • Communication Excellence Award

2023 ANNUAL AWARDS SELECTION TIMELINE

  • August 18, 2023 …..……………… Deadline for Nominations from Membership and Board of Directors
  • September 15, 2023 ………….…. Deadline for Award Applications from Nominees and Excellence in Communication Award submissions
  • Week of Sept 18, 2023………….. Nominee Applications Judged
  • October 24, 2023 …………….…..Awards Presentation at Awards Ceremony at Annual Conference

NOMINATION FORM

  • Nominations can be accepted from community leaders, staff, friends, or the OCCE Board of Directors
  • Self-nominations accepted
  • All nominees will be contacted to the complete the award applications with supporting documentation by deadline

CRITERIA FOR CONSIDERATION

NEW EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Criteria used by committee to determine recipient:

  1. Employment – three years or less in chamber profession as the chief paid executive.
  2. Completion of application form and all other supporting documentation as requested on application. All documentation must be attached and completed by the deadline.
  3. Self-nominations accepted.

 

SHELIA LEE EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Criteria used by committee to determine recipient:

  1. Employment – three years or more in chamber profession as the chief paid executive or member of executive staff.
  2. Completion of application form and all other supporting documentation as requested on application. All documentation must be attached and completed by the deadline.
  3. Self-nominations accepted.

 

OUTSTANDING CHAMBER STAFF AWARD

Criteria used by committee to determine recipient:

  1. Employment – one year or more in chamber profession.
  2. Completion of application form and all other supporting documentation as requested on application. All documentation must be attached and completed by the deadline.
  3. Self-nominations accepted.

 

YOUNG CHAMBER PROFESSIONAL ROCK STAR AWARD

Criteria used by committee to determine recipient:

  1. Employment – one year or more in chamber profession.
  2. Applicant must be under the age of 40.
  3. Completion of application form and all other supporting documentation as requested on application. All documentation must be attached and completed by the deadline.
  4. Self-nominations accepted.

HALL OF FAME AWARD

Criteria used by committee to determine recipient:

  1. Must be currently employed in the profession or retired from the profession (25 + years paid service).
  2. Applicant statement – statement from the applicant explaining reasons for applying, accomplishments in their organization during their tenure, career objectives and future goals.
  3. Self-nominations accepted.

 

COMMUNICATION EXCELLENCE AWARD

Designed to showcase top communications and marketing work of Oklahoma state chambers of commerce. Entry type: campaigns, digital media, event marketing and print and electronic publications.  Applications will be categorized by membership dues revenue size.  Nominations are not necessary.

Criteria: An organization may submit multiple entries  but only one submission per category.   If a submissions fits more than one category, it may only be entered once.   Submissions are due by September 29, 2023.                             

  1. Campaigns – Campaigns include advocacy/public policy campaigns, economic development campaigns, branding/rebranding initiatives, membership drives/campaigns, industry recruitment, social media, crisis communication campaigns, special projects.
  2. Event Marketing –Event Marketing includes event invitations, event advertisements, and event promotion.  *Entries in this category may be submitted as a compilation of all marketing materials for a virtual/hybrid/in-person event.
  3. Digital Media – Digital Media includes websites, blog sites, apps, videos, podcasts. 
  4. Print & Electronic Publications – Print & Electronic Publications includes annual reports, legislative agendas, community guides, community reports, directories, magazines, relocation guides, sponsorship guides, newsletters.

Chambers by dues size:
Category 1: Chambers with membership dues $75,000 or less
Category 2: Chambers with membership dues $75,001 to $200,000
Category 3: Chamber with membership dues over $200,001