Table of Contents
The Citizens Awards will be held in conjunction with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Business Solves Conference on October 29-30, 2024.
You can register at no cost here using code FINALIST at checkout.
PLEASE NOTE: The U.S. Chamber Foundation’s official announcement of this year’s finalists will occur on October 1, 2024, at 11 a.m. ET. Please do not release any finalist information before that time.
Announcement Timeline
Each week leading up to Business Solves, we will showcase finalist categories across our digital channels. We encourage you to review the promotion schedule below and join us in sharing your story on social media using the hashtag #BusinessSolves.
October 1:
U.S. Chamber Foundation publishes official press release announcing all finalists.
October 7-11:
Spotlight on Best Commitment to Education Program, Best Community Improvement Program, and Best Community Resilience and Disaster Response Program.
October 14-19:
Spotlight on Best Economic Opportunity and Empowerment Program, Best Health and Wellness Program, and Best Sustainability Program.
October 21-25:
Spotlight on Best Corporate Steward: Large Business, Best Corporate Steward: Small Business, and Best Civic Engagement Program.
Winner Announcement:
Live during the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Business Solves program. The official winner press release will be published on October 29 at 6 p.m. ET.
Sample Language: About the Citizens Awards
This language is ideal for use on a web page, article/blog post, or briefing document. Feel free to adjust the copy to align with your brand voice.
-
We are thrilled to announce that [Company] has been named a finalist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 25th Annual Citizens Awards. This prestigious program honors businesses for their exceptional leadership in addressing the world’s biggest challenges. [Company] is proud to be nominated in the [insert category] category for our efforts to [insert program details].
The U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Citizens Awards recognize the most innovative and impactful initiatives that leverage a company’s talent, resources, and expertise to improve communities.
To learn more, visit uschamberfoundation.org/citizens-awards.
Social Media
For all social posts, include the hashtag #BusinessSolves and this tagged link: https://uscc.foundation/3w2o22j
Follow and Tag: @USCCFoundation on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram
- [Company] is proud to be listed among some of the best in corporate citizenship. Check out all of this year’s @USCCFoundation Citizens Awards finalists: https://uscc.foundation/3w2o22j #BusinessSolves
- [Company] is honored to be named a finalist for the @USCCFoundation’s 25th Annual Citizens Awards! Join us on Oct. 29-30 to recognize all the finalists and celebrate business as a force for good. #BusinessSolves https://uscc.foundation/3w2o22j
- We’re proud to be a @USCCFoundation Citizens Awards finalist for [insert finalist category]. Read our story here: https://uscc.foundation/3w2o22j #BusinessSolves
- Excited to share that [Company] has been selected as a Citizens Awards finalist for [insert finalist category]. Join us in celebrating and find out who the winners are at #BusinessSolves on Oct. 29-30! https://uscc.foundation/3w2o22j
For Executive Leadership:
- Honored to be recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation as a Citizens Awards finalist for [Company’s] efforts to [insert program details]. For 25 years, the Citizens Awards have placed a spotlight on the power of business to create solutions for the world’s biggest challenges. Read our story and join me in celebrating all the finalists at the Business Solves Conference on Oct. 29-30: https://uscc.foundation/3w2o22j #BusinessSolves
Graphics
Additional graphics and sizes for each social platform can be found here.
Video
Here is a link to download a video showcasing your recognition within your category: Access the videos
Videos can also be found in this YouTube playlist (which will be made public on October 1): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFLPkIIKSjTydVSCANROEyRvniCulnGJV
Press Release
Use your company’s letterhead and press release distribution process after customizing this template. Keep in mind that this information is under embargo until October 1, 2024, at 11 a.m. ET.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – [Insert date of release]
Contact: Yagmur Cosar, Executive Director, Communications, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
[insert contact from your company]
[COMPANY] Named a Finalist for U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 25th Annual Citizens Awards
DATELINE—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation named [Company] a finalist in the 25th Annual Citizens Awards, a long-standing program that honors businesses for their leadership in solving the world’s biggest challenges. [Company] was nominated for the [insert category] for its efforts to [insert program details].
[INSERT QUOTE FROM ONE OF YOUR CORPORATE EXECUTIVES]
This prestigious program recognizes the most innovative and impactful initiatives that leverage a company’s talent, resources, and expertise to improve communities.
[INSERT DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM OR INITIATIVE BEING HONORED]
The winners of the 25th Annual Citizens Awards will be announced during the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Business Solves Conference on October 29, 2024. Learn more about the awards program and register to attend the event here.
###
[COMPANY BOILERPLATE]
About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation harnesses the power of business to create solutions for the good of America and the world. We anticipate, develop, and deploy solutions to challenges facing communities—today and tomorrow.
We're Here to Help
Should the toolkit not meet one of your specific needs, please reach out to Sydney Lewis at slewis@uschamber.com.
Business Solves Finalist Showcase Details
What it is: The U.S. Chamber Foundation is creating a gallery showcasing a photo and description of all 30 finalists. Think about walking through a museum and observing exhibited contents on display — this is the idea for the Finalist Showcase, a special addition to our program this year to celebrate the Citizens Awards' 25th anniversary.
When and Where: On October 29 and 30, the showcase will stand in our networking and reception room, the Lee Anderson room, where attendees will regularly gather for refreshments, breaks, and catered meals/receptions over the course of our two-day event.
When the conference and awards program kick off at 2:00pm on October 29, all attendees will be guided to the Lee Anderson room for the Finalist Showcase, networking, and refreshments. This lasts one hour before the program moves to the Great Hall for a keynote speaker and the awards ceremony.
Who: While not mandatory, we politely suggest having a representative present in the Lee Anderson room on October 29-30, from 2:00-3:00pm. This does not have to be your senior-most representative. A good rule of thumb is to identify someone on your team who enjoys networking and doesn't mind sharing a few tidbits of information with people browsing your section of the showcase.
This person does not have to remain stationary; in fact, all registrants and anyone from your team are encouraged to use this hour for networking and to treat it as an opening reception—mix, mingle, and share social impact interest areas with one another. The U.S. Chamber Foundation is well known as a catalyst for new partnerships and collaborative opportunities.
What's Next: We don't need anything from you at this time to create this showcase because you have already delivered your high-res photos. One photo will be used for the showcase; the selection will be made by our design team to best fit the dimensions of the physical display. The description will be the name of your submission from the application process.
