SAGE Awards

The SAGE Awards, Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence, recognize the outstanding efforts, talent, creativity and innovation in northeastern Pennsylvania. There are numerous award categories for new and emerging businesses, seasoned veterans and various industries.

The application criteria has been expanded for the following three awards categories only: Best Practices in Marketing and Communications, Hometown Star, and Pride and Progress. Previous award winners are invited to submit in these categories again, as long as the project is a new endeavor and notably different from your prior award achievement.

A volunteer judging committee, comprised of a diverse group of community leaders, scores all applications that meet the eligibility criteria. Chamber staff does not participate in the process. Decisions are final. Results cannot be shared. All scores are tallied and the three highest applications advance to finalist status. The winners are announced at the annual Chamber Gala in November.

2018 Winners

Award Categories

Best Practices in Community Involvement

Recognizes a business that demonstrates a commitment to community involvement and philanthropy as part of its core values.

Community involvement must have taken place within the last year
Must be fully operational for at least 12 months

Best Practices in Customer Service
Recognizes a business whose customer service has increased client satisfaction, client retention, referrals and/or profits.

Must be fully operational for at least 12 months

Best Practices in Marketing and Communications **Expanded criteria for 2019
Recognizes an in-house marketing department or advertising firm for creative excellence in ONE advertising campaign. The campaign must use THREE of the following media or methods: newspaper, consumer/trade publication, outdoor board, direct marketing mailer, brochures, stationery package, annual report, magazine/book publication, poster, special event material, mass transit/bus board, radio, television and online ads.

Previous award winners are invited to submit in this category again if the project is a new endeavor and is notably different from previous win.
Must be a for-profit business
Must be fully operational for at least 12 months

Business of the Year
Recognizes a business, with more than 10 employees, for its accomplishments and operational successes.

Must be financially stable and operational for a minimum of three years
Must be a for-profit business
Two part-time employees = one full time employee

Fastest Growing Company
Recognizes a business whose dynamic revenue growth over a three-year period, both dollar and percentage increases, has greatly contributed to the strength of our local economy.

Must have revenue of at least $500,000 in TWO out of three fiscal years ending 2016, 2017, 2018
Must show revenue growth in 2018, as compared to 2016
Can be for-profit or non-profit, except for government entities and charitable organizations, including 501(c)3 organizations
Must submit compiled, reviewed or audited financial statements or the first page of a tax return for years ending 2016, 2017 and 2018. Financial information and/or revenue amounts will not be printed and will be kept confidential.

Note: Applicants must submit a waiver/confidentiality agreement. Additionally, this award has a two-step process and requires applicants to upload financial documents via a secured third-party website.

Hometown Star
Recognizes an individual, business or organization that has made a significant economic impact on our area by conducting an event with a rich social, historical and charitable contribution in our area.

Previous award winners are invited to submit in this category again if the project is a new endeavor and is notably different from previous win.
Event must have taken place within the last year

New and Emerging Business of the Year
Recognizes an emerging business that has demonstrated a capacity for creativity and innovation, experienced growth and that has established itself as a leader in its industry.

Must be financially stable and operational for at least 12 months and no longer than three years
Must be a for-profit business
Applicants for this award are not eligible to apply for Small Business of the Year
If applicant has previously won Small Business of the Year, they are not eligible to apply for this award

Non-Profit Organization of the Year
Recognizes a non-profit organization that demonstrates excellence in five areas – role in society, financial stability, fundraising, marketing and strategic alliances – all in the pursuit of its mission.

Must be financially stable and operational for a minimum of three years
Must be a 501(c)(3) organization benefitting Lackawanna County
Government entities, business entities, individuals and academic organizations are not eligible

People’s Choice
Celebrates the community’s favorite SAGE Award finalist through online voting. The finalist with the most votes received will be named People’s Choice.

Pride and Progress
The Pride and Progress awards recognize public/private sector operations for upgrading their establishments and improving the region. Renovations/construction must have been completed during the past two years. Previous award winners are invited to submit in this category again if the project is a new endeavor and is notably different from previous win. Applicants are judged in three different sub-categories (below).

Exterior Renovation: These awards recognize public/private sector operations for upgrading their establishments and improving the region. Renovations/construction must have been completed during the past two years. Applicants for Exterior Renovation must express and accentuate the original architectural character and features of the building.
Interior Renovation: These awards recognize public/private sector operations for upgrading their establishments and improving the region. Renovations/construction must have been completed during the past two years. Applicants for Interior Renovation must show substantial improvement/change.
New Construction: These awards recognize public/private sector operations for upgrading their establishments and improving the region. Renovations/construction must have been completed during the past two years. Applicants for New Construction must harmonize with the surrounding neighborhood.

Small Business of the Year
Recognizes a business, with 10 or fewer employees, for its accomplishments and operational successes.

Must be a for-profit business
Must be fully operational for at least 12 months
Two part-time employees = one full time employee
Applicants for this award are not eligible to apply for New and Emerging Business of the Year