Candidates for this award should demonstrate excellence in service to the profession or to the Association. The singular or series of accomplishments may be in one or more of the following areas:
- Demonstrating long-term service and leadership to the profession.
- Successfully undertaking a meritorious single project or multiple projects that advance the profession or contribute significantly to ABC through: a) published research, b) editing, supervising, and/or sponsoring publications, c) sponsorship of legislative petitions and bills, d) programmatic development, or e) founding and leading business communication related organizations.
- Leading or directing professional development programs: a) directing symposiums, forums, workshops, or conferences; b) creating new liaisons with other societies.
- Contributing to the business communication discipline in specialty areas such as governmental agencies, charitable organizations, etc.
- Contributing to the globalization of ABC.
Nominating/Selection
Any member of the Association may nominate a candidate for the Award of Merit. The Nominating Committee evaluates nominations, selects the candidate, and submits the suggested recipient, along with supporting rationale, to the Board of Directors for approval.
If no nominee fulfills the award criteria within a given year, the committee may choose not to select a winner.
Nominations are due by June 1 to Judith Ainsworth, Nominating Committee Chair.
Notification
The award winner will be notified by the Executive Director or designee at least 90 days before the ABC Annual International Conference. The winner will be asked to submit a photograph to be used in the award presentation.