Business Developer of the Year 2026

This award is given to an individual who stands out through business development in the AEC industry with significant success in securing professional services work primarily in the Greater Cincinnati and/or Greater Dayton area. This award recognizes leadership, achievements, and accomplishments in his or her career. Self-nominations are encouraged, as well as nominations from members and nonmembers. The award will be presented during the Greater Cincinnati SMPS Annual Meeting.


The winner of Business Developer of the Year will receive an award and a $250 scholarship of their choice towards either:

  1. Earning the CPSM certification (if eligible)
  2. Attending Amplify AEC (SMPS National Conference) or an SMPS Regional Conference - The recipient must use this scholarship within two years of receiving the award 

Eligibility
Nominee must:

  • Be an employee/owner of a company whose practice focuses on the built environment
  • Work in Greater Cincinnati or Greater Dayton
  • Have been in business development and/or the AEC industry for at least five years


Judging Criteria and Scoring
Selection shall be based on the following criteria:

  1. Conducting business with integrity and ethics, cultivating respect for their company and the industry as a whole
  2. Developing strategic, innovative and mutually beneficial business strategies and relationships, resulting in significant, measurable growth for their company
  3. Fostering a firmwide, holistic sales culture that encourages networking, relationship building, and client satisfaction
  4. Helping other industry professionals grow their skills, their careers and/or their firms (formal/informal, internal/external, via SMPS or other professional organizations, etc.)

All entries will be evaluated using the following point system:

  • Integrity, Ethics and Reputation 25
  • Strategies, Relationships, Results 30
  • Fostering Holistic Sales Culture 20
  • Mentorship, Training, Education 25
  • Total 100

Judges from outside the chapter will evaluate the awards based on the above-stated criteria. Judges will be assembled for their expertise in the areas of marketing, communications, and the AEC industry as a whole.

Deadline
5:00 PM EST on Monday, August 31, 2026

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