Can I enter in more than one category?
Yes. There is no limit on how many categories an entry may be considered for. Each entry needs to be made separately, and the appropriate application fee applies to each individual entry. You may duplicate an existing application to enter additional categories; simply log in under the Applications link and copy or modify your applications as needed.
Why is there an application fee?
The Best of the West receives no funding from government entities and relies solely on sponsorship and application fees to fund operations. The application fee also filters out frivolous entries, ensuring that our volunteer judges will not have to spend unnecessary time reviewing non-serious entries.
What is the application fee used for?
The application fee helps cover the administrative expenses of collecting and processing the applications, including website development and programming. It also helps pay for the awards themselves, mailing and communication with the judges, and expenses related to the presentation of the awards.
What if I can’t find a suitable category?
Send us an email describing your business or activity and we can make suggestions for which categories may be suitable. You may also email us to suggest additional categories. If a suggestion is made early enough, we may be able to get it approved and add it for this year. Many of our best new categories this year came directly from applicants’ inquiries and suggestions.
Is it OK to apply for myself or my business or organization?
Yes. While many people are a little uncomfortable with this at first, we encourage self-application. You know more about your story and accomplishments than anyone else and can therefore give more information to the judges.
Do the judges look at self-applications differently than applications made by others?
No. There is no difference between self-applications and applications by others. The judges have no way of knowing who submitted the application. Their view of the application contains only the information about the applicant.
How will I know if I won?
Medal winners’ names will be posted on the website in late October. We will also notify winners via email at the address provided in the application. Best of the West category winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony.
What are the judging criteria?
There are three basic judging criteria used by the judges, and each has a different weight.
The Best of the West judging process involves a 100-point system. The 100 points are allotted in the three following areas:
50 points are possible regarding the overall excellence, superiority and quality of a nominee’s products, services or performance.
30 points are possible regarding the creativity which nominees display to differentiate themselves from their competition.
20 points are possible regarding the nominee’s accomplishments to improve the quality of life in their community and state, and their efforts to make the world a better place.
Who are the judges?
There are different panels of judges for each of the ten divisions. Judges are selected from all over Salt Lake County and volunteer their time to review and score applications. Each judge has been recommended by a member of the Advisory Board, as being a leader or expert in their particular field.
Can I enter every year? Can I win two years in a row?
We encourage applicants and previous winners to enter every year. There is no limit on how many years you can win.
I entered last year, but didn’t win. Is there any sense in entering this year?
Definitely. Each year, many of the scores are extremely close. Some nominees were beat out by a fraction of a point, so those who didn’t win should not be discouraged. There is also a new mix of judges every year. In addition, you may be able to improve and strengthen your nomination with new information. If you would like some tips on how to improve your application, please see our Application Tips page.
Once I submit my nomination, can I change it or add to it?
Yes. You can view your nomination exactly as it will appear to the judges. You can edit it and change it until you are happy with it. And even after you approve it and submit it, you can return and modify it as many times as you need to before the application deadline.
What if somebody misrepresents their accomplishments?
Best of the West® reserves the right to reject or disqualify any nomination which it deems, in any part, to be unsuitable, unworthy, or unwarranted for a Best of the West Award.
Best of the West® reserves the right to de-certify and de-list any Best of the West Award winner, and to rescind and revoke any Best of the West Award, for any misrepresentation, fraud, theft, crime, dishonesty, or unseemly behavior, which the officers of Best of the West deem to be unbecoming of a Best of the West Award Winner, and unworthy of a Best of the West Award.
