The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) today announced the creation of Corporate Citizenship Month and called on companies of all sizes to take pride in their societal work by applying for the Corporate Citizenship Awards. The annual awards – available in four different categories – seek to recognize companies that innovate to solve problems and that engage proactively to create positive impacts on society.

“BCLC started the Citizens Awards because we knew that businesses were interested in social and environmental progress and wanted to share and learn about best practices,” said U.S. Chamber BCLC Founder and Executive Director Stephen Jordan.  “This year, we will receive submissions from across the U.S. and around the world, and we expect to discover and recognize some exciting business innovations that have the potential to make life better for all of us.”

For 13 years, the “Citizens” Awards have tapped into the variety of ways the business sector leads by example and fosters strategic and sustained positive impact on people, communities, the environment, and society. These examples have helped define understanding and acceptance of the key role the business sector plays in society today.

The four awards categories are:

• Best Business Neighbor (U.S.)
• Best International Ambassador
• Best Partnership with a Nonprofit
• Best Corporate Steward

The nomination opportunity is open to a business or industry association of any size that is a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as well as to accredited local and state chambers of commerce. Each category comes with its own criteria and measurement system. BCLC’s website has full details available here: http://bclc.uschamber.com/program/citizens-awards.

Nominations will be accepted until May 31, 2012, at 05:00 EDT. An external review committee is appointed to review the applicants in each category and to determine the five nominations that make it to the 2012 finalists’ round. The finalists are then judged by another external judging panel to ultimately decide each category’s winner.

Finalists will be announced on September 17. The Citizens’ Awards gala, where winners are unveiled, takes place in Washington, D.C., on December 6, 2012.

BCLC is the U.S. Chamber’s resource and voice for businesses’ social and philanthropic interests.  Its mission is to advance the positive role of business in society. Visit http://bclc.uschamber.com

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center

U.S. community development. Emerging-market development. Disaster response. Social and environmental innovation – businesses play an important role in all of these issue areas.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center is recognized in the corporate citizenship field as a source for fresh thinking, exceptional networking and practical lessons learned.

The Foundation works to strengthen collaboration and understanding among companies, corporate foundations, chambers of commerce, NGOs, and governmental offices. As a partnership facilitator, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center helps businesses find highly effective ways to invest in local communities, be responsive in times of disasters, and improve lives and livelihoods across the globe.

The Foundations mission is to work with businesses to make the world a better place. Email ccc@uschamber.com to learn more.

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