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Future 50 Awards

The Future 50 nomination process is now open. Click here to download your application. Application deadline is July 30, 2010.

2010 marks nearly two decades of the Future 50 Awards in the Nashville region. As we lead up to our 20th anniversary celebration in 2011, these awards have been a key indicator of the most successful companies in the region. Since the Future 50 program began, it has honored 901 companies, with the only tie in the history of the event occurring in 1996. Of those 901 honorees, 39 companies have been honored as Future 50 Hall of Fame companies, denoting five total wins.

The 2009 Future 50 winners and Hall of Fame honorees live the Chamber’s brand promise of being the risk takers that make the Nashville area vibrant and economically diverse. These businesses represent the entrepreneurial spirit of the region, even in these challenging economic times. Nomination criteria for the Future 50 are based solely upon past and projected revenue and employment growth. KraftCPAs PLLC is the official audit firm of the Future 50 Awards. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions section to learn more about the program, and how to apply.

The program begins in early June and peaks in October, with the annual awards dinner honoring these companies, their CEOs, staff, vendors and other supporters.

New Decade, New Recognition

A Future 50 company must exhibit revenue and employment growth, but must also possess leadership, innovation, vision, creativity and drive in order to build a successful enterprise.

In addition to recognizing the 50 fast-growing companies and five-time Hall of Fame companies, the Nashville Chamber has added six “Distinct Honor” Awards to let the Future 50 companies “toot their own horn.” These new awards mark a shift in the economy and recognize that businesses need more than just revenue growth to be leaders in the marketplace. It also gives six of the Future 50 winners additional places to shine among the 50 outstanding companies.

To qualify to win these additional honors, a company must fill out the application form in its entirety, and be named as a Future 50 company. Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of judges comprised of past Future 50 Hall of Fame winners and business leaders. Finalists will be announced in advance, with the winner of each of the “Distinct Honor” Awards announced at the awards dinner on Thursday, October 21.

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Distinct Honor Awards

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Lean, Mean & Green Award

Being green means finding environmentally friendly ways to do business. This award will be presented to the Future 50 company that has demonstrated precedent-setting, sustainable business practices that significantly impacted institutional practices, products or services.
Rising Rock Star Award

Every company has a rising "rock star" in their midst -- an individual who has demonstrated leadership, driven innovation, and delivered value and success to the business. A rock-star employee goes above and beyond the call of duty to produce maximum results. The award winner can play any role and be at any level within the company -- from programmer to copywriter to marketer to executive assistant extraordinaire.
Innovation Award

This award is your chance to “wow” us with an innovative practice that your company has implemented in the past year in response to the changes in the economy. Provide an example of a new product, service, business process or system; quantify its growth; and explain how this innovation resulted in reduced expenses or increased operation efficiency for your company.
Community Impact Award

This award will be presented to the company that displays a long-term commitment to Middle Tennessee through a community program or project. The winning company will have dedicated resources through time, talent or treasure to their chosen cause through activities such as improving education, performing community service, or providing in-kind services or volunteers.
Fearless Leader Award

This award goes to the entrepreneur who has demonstrated vision, leadership, and high ethical standards in leading his/her company to success. The winner will have shown perseverance in the face of adversity and overcome obstacles to grow his/her business. He/she will have a proven track record of taking risks, making a difference, and exuding the entrepreneurial spirit of Nashville!
Nashville’s Choice Award

Once the Future 50 winners have been announced in September, the Nashville business community will have the opportunity to pick the winner of the “Nashville’s Choice Award.” Because the Future 50 award winners are determined solely on objective, number-driven results, this award is the community’s opportunity to vote for their favorite Future 50 winner. The company might have a super-cool product, or super-cool employees. Whatever the reason, your voice will decide “Nashville’s Choice.”

Future 50 Awards FAQs

Visit our FAQ section and get answers to your questions about Future 50 qualifications guidelines, nomination, application process and more.

Future 50 Winners

Review the listing of past and present Future 50 winners.