Biz X Award Nominations Closing, Voting To Begin
These days it seems like we constantly face new challenges in the business world.
However, one thing never changes as this time of the year is always when our nomination process begins with the start of nominations for our annual Biz X Awards! You can count on us to recognize outstanding businesses, organizations, events and professionals year after year.
In 2024 we celebrated our 27th year, with a musical theme: Hitting The Right Note. Now in 2025, since orchids traditionally commemorate a 28th anniversary, standing the test of time will be highlighted along with a bit of flower power!
However, before the 2025 awards tribute is published later this year, you might need a refresher about the whole awards process . . . so here it is!
In our summer edition, the categories were officially released and nominations are accepted on our website: BizXmagazine.com, from July 31 (noon) until September 12 (5 p.m.)
Readers can nominate the businesses, organizations, people and events in Windsor/Essex County and Pelee Island that they believe are the best in each category and deserve to be recognized.
Whenever possible, please include some supporting evidence, for your nominee, on our online form. If you choose the wrong category, we reserve the right to move it to the appropriate category so that your
nomination counts.
Nominees are made public on the Biz X website when voting commences September 17 (noon) and continues through to September 24, 2025 (5 p.m.)
Keep in mind the nomination and voting process is not a popularity contest — it only takes ONE nomination to be included in the voting poll.
It is always best though to get a few people to nominate you or your business/organization, to ensure your nomination was received by us. Once you complete a nomination form, you will see on your computer screen we received it and also a confirmation email will be sent to your email. If you DO NOT receive this email (check your spam folder too) that means we did NOT receive your nomination.
Please check all sections were filled out, and you have answered the reCAPTCHA question, and re-submit the form.
If you, your business/organization or event is fortunate to be nominated, you will be contacted to supply further details to us, online, about your qualifications, history, and to confirm information supplied by the
nominators. Once the polls open in September, be sure to toot your own horn. Do whatever you can to get your customers to vote for you on the Biz X website — use your own website and social media pages to tell everyone you know that you are nominated!
During the voting period you can go online to: BizXmagazine.com and cast a vote for your choice to win the 2025 Biz X Award, in its respective category. You can also vote using your smart phone or tablet
via our mobile-friendly voting site.
Remember that vote tallies are only a part of the overall selection process.
All nomination forms received, along with company background information supplied and voting poll results, are then reviewed by the Biz X panel of Judges after the polls close. The next step involves the Judges meeting in the fall to determine the final winners.
The Judges will not know the actual winners’ names, as voting during this meeting is done by secret ballot. The final results are posted in the November/December edition of Biz X magazine, released mid-
November.
In the past 28 years, Biz X has awarded over 825 recipients in all kinds of industries, so don’t be discouraged if a certain category is not listed as it may have been previously awarded. (Please check our website to see a list of past winners.)
As we are now in the third decade of our annual awards, certain categories from years back are re-used to allow for new businesses in those industries to have the opportunity to be included.
There are eight staple categories every year — Outstanding New Business, Distinguished Biz Champ Of The Year, Powerhouse Professional, Artist of the Year, Exceptional Social Enterprise, Best Little Retail Shop, Restaurant That’s Hot, Hot, Hot, and The Most Wonderful Event Of The Year.
Listed below are the four major sections containing the 24 various categories. While the majority of nominations and votes come from Essex County residents, U.S. citizens and those living outside Essex
County can nominate or vote in any category, since they could be clients of the business/organization or supporters of the business professional or event.
Please follow the rules* below to ensure that your nomination counts . . .
- Only nominate ONE company/person per award category. Businesses/organizations/people are only permitted to win one award each year. MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS IN DIFFERENT CATEGORIES ARE NOT PERMITTED. We reserve the right to choose the best category for the company or individual when a nomination comes in. All nominees must be over 19 years of age.
- Be certain that the company or individual you are nominating fits the category’s criteria.
- The nominee must be located (or reside) in Windsor, Essex County or Pelee Island and NOT be part of a national franchise/chain or non-profit organization (except for categories in the PEOPLE section and category 2. The PEOPLE section (#8 to #13) is judged on the individual and not the company itself and those working for national chains, franchises and non-profits are eligible to participate only in this section. An exception for category #24 is also allowed as many national organizations have local chapters hosting events.
- Every business in Essex County and Pelee Island (with the exceptions above) has the opportunity to win a Biz X Award. *However: NO MEDIA outlets or representatives can participate in any of the
categories. You do not have to be an advertiser with the magazine to be nominated or to win. Judges are not told who is an advertiser (past or present) to ensure there are no biases or conflicts of interest.
Be sure to check your email account in early September to see if we contact you about an award nomination. Visit: BizXmagazine.com for the very latest information and watch for the September issue to learn how to vote in the 28th annual Biz X Awards.
