Creating a Strong Nomination

Submitting a nomination is easier than you think! Regardless of your company's size, we encourage you to spotlight your outstanding colleagues using these best practices to make your nomination stand out:

• Pick the Right Category: Be sure the award category properly aligns with your nominee’s strengths.
• Answer All Questions Thoroughly: Provide complete answers and submit all required documents. Avoid repeating the same information in multiple answers.
• Be Specific: Focus on the nominee’s measurable, specific accomplishments rather than general descriptions.
• Include Relevant Supporting Materials: Optional attachments (photos, project samples, news media, etc.) should clearly support your nominee’s story, but only include what adds value to the nomination.
• Prepare in Advance: Review all category questions first, then gather materials and information before starting to complete the form.
• Proof Before You Submit: Carefully check spelling, grammar, and content.
• Meet the Deadline: Late submissions will not be accepted.

Have a question? Contact us.

Excellence Awards Categories

In addition to the specific questions below, each nomination requires the name, company, and title for both the nominator and the nominee.

James L. Bass Life Achievement Award (Director or Manager) 

Presented to one director or GM/CEO, respectively, to honor a lifetime of service in rural telecommunications that best exemplifies the ideals of all rural telecommunications systems.

In addition to general information about your nominee, the nomination form includes the following required questions:

• How many years of service does your nominee have with their company and/or in the telecommunications industry?
• Describe your nominee’s achievements and contributions to their company and the telecommunications industry. (500-word limit)
• How has your nominee excelled as a leader? (500-word limit)
• Explain why you believe your nominee deserves this recognition. (250-word limit)
• Nominations must include the nominee’s resume or listing of accomplishments, in addition to the questions.
• Up to three letters of recommendation will be considered with a nomination. Other supporting documents in addition to letters will also be considered.

Associate Member Outstanding Achievement Award

Recognizes outstanding personal and professional accomplishments to honor NTCA associate members who, in conjunction with their NTCA membership, have performed extraordinary service for the benefit of the telecommunications industry. This award is presented to an individual currently employed by, or recently retired from, an associate member company. 

In addition to general information about your nominee, the nomination form includes the following required questions:

• How many years of service does your nominee have with their company and/or in the telecommunications industry?
• Describe your nominee’s achievements and contributions to the telecommunications industry and/or NTCA members. (500-word limit)
• Explain why you believe your nominee is deserving of this recognition. (250-word limit)

Community Outreach Award

Recognizes an employee of a telecommunications provider, other than a general manager or director, who has performed extraordinary service, led collaborative efforts, and demonstrated dedication and compassion to assist where your local area needs it the most for the benefit of rural communities. 

In addition to general information about your nominee, the nomination form includes the following required questions:

• Describe a project or program that demonstrates your nominee’s dedication, compassion and extraordinary service to their community. (500-word limit)
• Explain the impact of this project and who benefited. (500-word limit)
• Explain why you believe your nominee is deserving of this recognition. (250-word limit) 

Heroism Award

Recognizes examples of true humanitarianism in which an individual acts without self-regard to come to the aid of others in a life-threatening situation, on or off the job. 

In addition to general information about your nominee, the nomination form includes the following required questions:

• Explain the situation that led to your nominee’s act of heroism and the outcome of the act. (500-word limit)
• When did the situation occur?
• Explain why you believe your nominee is deserving of this recognition. (250-word limit)

Key Employee Award

Recognizes an employee other than a manager/executive who has made significant contributions to a company’s growth and success in areas like engineering, data processing, subscriber relations or general administration.

In addition to general information about your nominee, the nomination form includes the following required questions:

• How many years of service does your nominee have with their company?
• In what ways has your nominee made significant contributions to the growth and success of their company? (500-word limit)
• Explain why you believe your nominee is deserving of this recognition. (250-word limit) 

Innovation Award

Recognizes innovative achievement of an employee in a telecommunications company. This award honors excellence in groundbreaking efforts to revolutionize a business practice at any level, such as customer service, products or services, company culture, internal operations, and/or collaborative practices.

In addition to general information about your nominee, the nomination form includes the following required questions:

• Describe your nominee’s innovative achievements and/or efforts to revolutionize practices in their company. (500-word limit)
• What was the impact on the company’s operations? (500-word limit)
• Explain why you believe your nominee is deserving of this recognition. (250-word limit)

Outstanding Marketing Achievement Award

Recognizes outstanding and innovative marketing achievement of a telecommunications employee (not limited to a manager). This award honors excellence in overall marketing and/or groundbreaking efforts in specific areas, such as campaign planning and execution, positioning of new products and services and sales performance.

In addition to general information about your nominee, the nomination form includes the following required questions:

• Describe the special project or overall contribution by your nominee in the field of marketing. (500-word limit)
• What was the resulting impact on the company? (500-word limit)
• Explain why you believe your nominee is deserving of this recognition. (250-word limit)