Frequently Asked Questions - Future 50 Awards

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• How do I know if I qualify for Future 50?

  In order to qualify for the Future 50 Awards, your company must meet the following criteria:

  • Be privately owned (not publicly traded, or a subsidiary of a publicly traded company);
  • Be headquartered in Middle Tennessee;
  • Have at least 10 employees or an annual revenue of at least $500,000; and
  • Anticipate revenue and employment growth for the next three years.

• What is the nomination process?

  The Future 50 program begins in June with the call for nominations. This award is designed to identify the 50 fastest-growing privately held companies in the Nashville area. In addition, applicants will have the opportunity to be recognized in some “Distinct Honor” categories. Some key points to remember for the application process:

  • The call for nominations is open to the public.
  • A company does not have to be a member of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce in order to nominate itself or be nominated.
  • All information given is confidential and will be used solely to determine the Future 50 winners.
  • All applications will be reviewed and tabulated by KraftCPAs PLLC, the official accounting firm of the Future 50.
  • Companies are encouraged to self-nominate. There are no fees associated with the nomination form.

• Can I modify my application after I submit it?

  No. Once you submit your Future 50 application, it will be considered complete. You will not have the opportunity to make any changes, corrections or additions. 

• Do I have to have someone outside my company nominate us?

  No. This is a self-nominating process. Leaders are encouraged to nominate their companies. 

• Do you have to be a member of the Nashville Chamber in order to nominate your company or win an award?

  No. You do not have to be a member of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce in order to nominate your company or to win. 

• I have nominated my company in the past and have not won. Is there a limit to the number of times I can nominate my company?

  No. There is no limit to the number of times you can nominate your company, provided you are not a five-time Hall of Fame winner. 

• How do I qualify for the six Distinct Honor awards (Lean, Mean & Green; Rising Rock Star; Innovation; Community Impact; Fearless Leader; Nashville’s Choice) that are being introduced to Future 50 this year?

  To be considered for any of the Distinct Honor awards, your company must fill out the application form in its entirety and be named a Future 50 winner in 2010. Please note that you cannot apply for the "Nashville's Choice" award, as that will be determined by online community vote after the Future 50 winners have been announced.

• What is the nomination process for the additional Distinct Honor awards?

  Fill out the Future 50 application form and the additional essay question(s) for the award(s) that your company is applying for. 

• Can past Hall of Fame winners apply for the new award categories?

  No.  These new categories are for eligible applicants beginning in 2010. 

• Can applicants just apply for the six "Distinct Honor" awards without being a part of the Future 50?

  No.  These awards are additional awards of distinction to recognize Future 50 winning companies that have excelled in various aspects of their business. 

• What is the judging process?

  All Future 50 applications are reviewed and tabulated by KraftCPAs PLLC, the official accounting firm of the Future 50. Future 50 scoring is determined by past and future employment and revenue growth.

  The six additional “Distinct Honor” awards will go through two rounds of judging based on their placement in the Future 50. After being selected for the Future 50, nominees' applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of judges that are comprised of past Hall of Fame companies and business leaders from the area.

  Future 50 winners and finalists of the five “Distinct Honor” Awards will be announced the week of September 6. Winners of the “Distinct Honor” awards will be announced the night of the Future 50 Awards Dinner, Thursday, October 21. 

• What are the benefits of being named to the Future 50?

  Being named to the Future 50 has many benefits, including:

  • Recognition in the community as one of Middle Tennessee's fastest-growing companies;
  • Future 50 Achievement Award for display in your office;
  • Exposure and publicity for your company;
  • Listing in the Future 50 special section, to be published in The Tennessean;
  • Listing and recognition on nashvillechamber.com; and
  • Being honored at the Future 50 Awards Dinner in October.

• How do I apply?

  • Applications can be downloaded at http://www.nashvillechamber.com/future50.
  • Only one application per company will be accepted.
  • All applications must be typed.
  • Applications for the 2010 Future 50 Awards must be postmarked, hand-delivered or emailed by Friday, July 30.
  • Materials submitted after the deadline will not be considered. 
  • Please make a copy of your application form for your records.

  All applications must be mailed, hand-delivered or emailed to:

  Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
  211 Commerce Street, Suite 100
  Nashville, Tennessee 37201
  future50@nashvillechamber.com

• How will I know if you received our application form?

  Receipt of your application will be confirmed via email to the designated contact person listed under application question number 17. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION FROM THE NASHVILLE CHAMBER VIA E-MAIL WITHIN THREE BUSINESS DAYS, WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED YOUR FORM AND CANNOT CONSIDER IT FOR THE 2010 AWARDS. Please contact Wendy Stoneberger at 615-743-3110 if you do not receive confirmation of your application.