2008-09 Gold Obelisk       2008-09 Product Contest
Past Industry Award Winners       2008-2009 Awards (pdf)

2008-2009 Awards Program

For over 40 years, ARA has helped our members better recognize the achievements of others. Whether in the form of teaching better engraving techniques, helping our members find new prod-ucts, or suggesting ways to reach more customers or markets, ARA has strived to improve the awards and recognition industry. Now is the time for all of us to practice what we preach, and recognize outstanding achievements, products and people in our own industry. 

ARA Retailer of the Year— NEW!
ARA recognizes that excellence comes in many sizes, so, for the first year ever, ARA will be presenting a Retailer of the Year award, as well as a Large Retailer of the Year. Retailer of the Year candidates may be nominated by suppliers, other retailers, sales reps, or, if you think you've got what it takes, you can even nominate your own company. All nominees will be asked to provide background information on their companies, and will be submitted to supplier companies for voting.

ARA Supplier of the Year
Suppliers are the backbone of our industry, and many of them not only rise to the occasion, but perhaps more importantly can be relied on to provide excellent prod-ucts, excellent customer service, and be an excellent partner. Recognize them by nominating them for ARA Supplier of the Year. As was started last year, ARA will present two Supplier of the Year awards - one for single location, and one for multiple location. Watch for an email from ARA in December when all member retailers will have a chance to nominate, and later vote for, ARA Supplier of the Year.

ARA Outside Sales Representative of the Year
These road warriors visit your shop, bring you the latest new products, help solve problems, and are an invaluable resource in our industry. Rec-ognize them; nominate one or more for ARA Outside Sales Representative of the Year. Please make sure to answer the three questions at the bottom of the page—the more you mention, the better the chances are for the nominee.

ARA Volunteer of the Year
This award is presented annually to a member who has contributed the most to the association during the previous year, by merit of his or her volunteer efforts. Nominees must be a current or past board member, committee member, or former branch leader.

ARA Customer Service Representative of the Year—NEW!
We've all got a favorite customer service professional. You know - that person you call with a friendly voice and "can-do" attitude that you can rely on to find your product, process your order, or solve your problem. Let them know how much you mean to them by nominating them for ARA's new ARA Customer Service Representative of the Year award.

ARA Founder’s Award
Created in 1979, this Award is presented annually to a person who has worked unselfishly for the success of ARA. The recipient is recognized for reflecting the spirit of the original founders of the association—individuals committed to promoting communication, co-operation, sharing, and unity, as well as to fostering growth and enhancing professionalism within the association.

ARA Hall of Fame Award
This is it; the ultimate honor in the awards and recognition industry. ARA’s Hall of Fame honors those individuals who have created a tradition of excellence for all in-dustry members. Inductees range from individuals whose contributions led to sweeping changes, to members who made an impact through leadership and vision. The common element is their contri-butions to the awards industry. The candidate may be living or deceased.