PRFAQ

Inaugural awards recognize innovators providing exceptional service to local business clients

March 24, 2022  (Saskatoon, CANADA) – Vendasta today unveiled the inaugural Local Impact Awards, which honor companies providing innovative digital technology solutions and services to small and medium businesses (SMBs).

"Vendasta is celebrating local experts who leverage technology, raise the bar on customer experiences, and reap the rewards of their client success,” said Vendasta CMO Jeff Tomlin. "We are thrilled to honor the exemplary companies and entrepreneurs who are committed to driving local economies and helping small and medium businesses transform digitally. “

The awards are open to any local expert offering digital solutions to SMBs, including independent software vendors and marketing agencies. They shine a spotlight on some of the greatest success stories of experts helping local businesses through six categories:

• Client Success

• Strategy Excellence Award

• Innovation Award

• Vendor of the Year Award

• Partner of the Year Award

• Conquer Local Ambassador Award

Winners will be announced during a virtual awards celebration at a Conquer Local Connect virtual event this summer.

Nomination entries for the 2022 Local Impact Awards open today and close on May 31. 

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FAQs

Why are we doing this? 

The Vendasta Local Impact Awards program will position us as an expert and evaluator in SMB technology and services. Not only will it help attract new leads, but it will strengthen partner and vendor relationships. The awards program will also impact the following:

Brand Awareness

The awards program will generate media attention and increase brand awareness for Vendasta. The program is geared toward recognizing those in our industry who best exemplify our organization’s values. Increased publicity and awareness will help improve Vendasta’s standing within the industry. This will also have long-term benefits. The more the program grows, the more we will strengthen our brand, generate more online buzz, media coverage, shares, likes, and commentary across all channels.

SEO Value

The awards program will help drive traffic to the Vendasta website through a dedicated awards landing page. Custom branded badges for the finalists and winners will have UTMs that will provide backlinks to Vendasta.

Content

The program will help our partners and vendors stand out from the competition and drive revenue growth. The award applications can be used in partner case studies for future lead generation initiatives. 

Increased Engagement

The awards program is an excellent way to maintain and increase engagement. The  program will give recognition and praise that is important for those trying to succeed in the industry. By recognizing our partner and vendors' hard work we will build loyalty and improve relationships. This in turn will make them more likely to interact and advocate for Vendasta in the future.

New leads

The awards program will also have potential to bring in new business leads. 

From the perspective of potential customers, it brings light to the value of Vendasta’s platform and services. Prospective customers will be encouraged to pursue Vendasta, thus leading to more conversions.

What are the Vendasta Local Impact Awards?

The Vendasta Local Impact Awards celebrate companies using innovative strategies, best practices, and technologies to drive digital transformation for small and medium businesses.

The Local Impact Awards will showcase these inspirational stories from local experts who have used digital technology solutions to help SMBs transform digitally and grow their businesses to continue to serve the communities they live in. 

Why apply?

This award is an acknowledgment of exceptional success and innovations. This recognition can increase your company’s new business opportunities, increase awareness, and may drive revenue growth.

Who can apply?

The Vendasta Local Impact Awards are open to local experts who have leveraged digital technology solutions to help small and medium businesses succeed.

When is the submission deadline?

The submission deadline is Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at 11:59PM EDT. 

When will the finalists be announced?

Finalists in each category will be notified by email one week prior to the virtual awards ceremony at Conquer Local Connect. During this time, finalists will be provided with the official finalists award badge, as well as a quote and press release template they can customize and distribute. Once the winners are made public, Vendasta will publicize the winners on our website, via a press release, and social media channels. 

When will the winners be announced?

We will announce the winners at a virtual awards ceremony at Conquer Local Connect in June 2022. Winners will also receive an email notifying them of the results before the virtual awards ceremony.

Do you have to register for Conquer Local Connect virtual event to submit an application?

No, you do not have to be registered for Conquer Local Connect in order to submit an application. 

Do you need to be available for the virtual awards ceremony at Conquer Local Connect?

Finalists do not need to attend Conquer Local Connect to accept an award if announced a winner. We do encourage all finalists to attend and join us in celebrating the achievements of our inaugural Local Impact Award winners. 

Can you submit more than one award?

Yes, applicants can submit for more than one category but must complete the appropriate application form for the category they are applying for. 

What is the cost?

There is no cost to enter the Vendasta Local Impact Awards

What are the award categories?

• Partner of the Year Award (Open to Vendasta partners only)

This award recognizes a Vendasta partner for the growth of their business. 

The winning entry must demonstrate how they achieved substantial growth in revenue through expansion in existing or new markets. Describe how the business demonstrated resilience and adapted to challenges and emerged stronger and more successful

• Vendor of the Year Award (Open to Vendasta Marketplace vendors only)

This award recognizes a Vendasta Marketplace vendor for providing innovative products and solutions, showcasing a strong commitment to Vendasta and Vendasta’s partners. 

• Client Success Award (Open to all companies)

This award recognizes local experts who have provided exceptional service to an SMB client utilizing digital technology.

The winning entry must describe how they used technology to deliver the solution(s), and how the services assisted with an SMB client’s success. 

• Innovation (Open to all companies)

This award recognizes forward-thinking companies that have harnessed the power of the latest technologies to achieve business success. 

The winning entry must describe how they used digital technology solutions in an innovative way to transform their company over the past 18 months. 

• Conquer Local Ambassador Award

This award recognizes an outstanding Community contributor and achiever in the Conquer  Local Community and Academy. 

The Ambassador leverages the Academy, the Community, and other Conquer Local resources to grow as a leader. They engage other members to find solutions, share knowledge, build connections, and drive interest and excitement around the ecosystem.

• Strategy Excellence Award  

This award is for developing or refining a scalable, repeatable strategy or process to drive growth and engagement.

This could be a marketing automation that saves you time, a tool you use to deliver relevant content and nurture your leads, or even a process you have implemented. 

Can I submit from outside North America?

Yes, the Vendasta Local Impact Awards are open to anyone around the world. Please note applications must be in English.  

Can I submit without my client's name becoming public?

Yes. Please indicate on the application form that you do not wish to make your client’s name public (**Note: This applies to SMB clients,  not partner names)

How will my entry be judged?

Our awards program recognizes the most effective and innovative work, so anyone, anywhere in the world, can win. 

The judges will be looking for evidence of

• Best use of technology and solutions

• Creativity and innovation

• Tangible results and outcomes for the applying company and/or clients

Judges will use a scoring system and will award a maximum of 20 points per entry based on the scoring rubric below.

Who are the judges?

Members of Vendasta’s executive and leadership teams, and chosen industry experts will assess the applications and select winners.

How do I apply?

Complete the award application and submit any supplementary materials including a company logo (color) in a vector file (.ai, .eps, .svg only) to marketing@vendasta.com.

Submission Guidelines

• Application must be written in English

• Entry submission deadline is Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

• Please send supplementary materials to marketing@vendasta.com. Include a company logo (in color in a vector file (.ai, .eps, .svg only).

• All questions below must be complete and include current contact information.

• You may apply for more than one category but a separate application form must be completed for each relevant category.

• Only current Vendasta channel partners can apply for the “Partner of the Year” award category

• Only current Vendasta Marketplace vendors can apply for the “Vendor of the Year” award category

• The Innovation Award and SMB Digital Transformation Award categories are open to all companies 

What winners of the Vendasta Local Awards receive? 

• One personalized award for winning entry

• A custom digital badge for use online and in print

• Recognition in a Vendasta press release announcing the winners

• A press release template suitable for release by your organization

• Recognition by the Vendasta to its Conquer Local community

• Recognition on the Vendasta’s website

• Recognition on the Vendasta’s social media accounts (LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook)

• Winners will be highlighted in a Vendasta blog post 

• Winners will receive a case study to share with clients, on their company website, and on social media channels

Custom Award

When can I expect my trophy? Where will it be shipped to?

After the Awards ceremony, all award winners will be contacted to arrange for their award(s) to be shipped to their preferred location. 

What if I have more questions regarding the application process?

All the details on the Vendasta Local Impact Awards Program can be found at https://www.vendasta.com/company/local-impact-awards. Applicants can also contact marketing@vendasta.com.

Vendastians can contact Catriona Barcoe:

Email: cbarcoe@vendasta.com 

Slack: @cbarcoe