2025 VFCC Young Professional of the Year Application

Eligibility:

Applicants must be VFCC members in good standing and not turn 40 before 12:00 AM on January 1, 2026.

🗓️ Application Timeline

Application Period: July 22, 2025 – September 22, 2025 at 4:59 PM ET

🗓️Semi-finalist Notifications:

October 20, 2025 via email

🗓️Semi-finalist Mandatory Interviews:

November 10 & 11, 2025 (Specific time slot to be assigned by the Independent Panel of Judges based on award category. Date and time slot may not be rescheduled. Specific date and time of interview will be emailed to semi-finalist before November 1, 2025)

🗓️Finalist Notifications:

December 1, 2025

🗓️Awards Presentation: VFCC Annual Awards Dinner/Celebration

January 22, 2026

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENTS *

I acknowledge that this application must be submitted online via ValricoFishhawk.org/2025-vfcc-annual-awards-info no later than Monday, September 22, 2025, at 4:59 PM ET. I understand that only one submission per applicant will be accepted, and that applications submitted via email, mail, or hand delivery will not be considered. I confirm that I am not turning 40 before 12:00 AM on January 1, 2026. I understand that I must clearly demonstrate business leadership and impact within the community through this application. I confirm that I am eligible under one of the following roles: ✅ For-profit business owner or employee ✅ Non-profit executive or staff member ✅ Solo entrepreneur or contractor I am an active VFCC member in good standing, with dues paid. I have participated in VFCC events in the past six months. I have attended at least two VFCC meetings per month over the past six months. My business is headquartered or primarily operates in the Valrico/FishHawk/Tampa Bay area. I understand that I must remain an active VFCC member through December 31, 2026. I understand that prior winners and finalists in other categories are eligible to apply. I agree to participate in the Semi-finalist interview, if applicable, on the scheduled date and time. Notification will be before November 1, 2025 via email. I understand that if selected as a finalist, I must attend the VFCC Awards Ceremony on January 22, 2026, and that failure to attend the interview or ceremony will result in disqualification. I understand that judging will be conducted by an independent panel. I may upload up to two supplemental items (e.g., photos, press, testimonials) as part of this application. I understand that my application must be complete and professional, and that neatness, clarity, and completeness will impact judging. I have read and agree to all eligibility requirements, expectations, and deadlines outlined above.

Annual Awards Questions?

Contact the VFCC Awards & Recognition Chair: Jennifer Stinson at awards@valricofishhawk.org

Applicant Information *

First and Last Name Required. Will be used in all printed materials and award presentation.

Applicant's Birthday *

Please enter the date in the following format: MM/DD/YYYY

BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:

Complete all fields below.

Business/Organization Name *

Will be used in all printed materials and award presentation.

Business/Organization Address

Address Line 1 *

Address Line 2

City *

Zip/Postal Code *

Business/Organization Phone Number: *

Legal Structure of the Business/Organization:: *

Corporation: C Corp or S Corp Partnership: GP; LP; or LLP Limited Liability Company (LLC) Sole Proprietor Non-profit

Business/Organization Email Address: *

Main Contact Person:

First and Last Name

Contact Email Address: *

Contact Phone Number *

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Mark N/A if not used

Facebook Page: *

Instagram Page: *

X (formerly Twitter) Page: *

LinkedIn Page: *

APPLICATION QUESTIONS (Limit responses to 200 words or less per question).

1. Tell us about your business or organization. *

Include a brief history, what you do, and who you serve.

2. How have you demonstrated leadership, driven change, and delivered results in your career or business? *

3. What are your professional goals, and how do you plan to continue making a difference? *

4. Describe your involvement in the community. *

Volunteer work, non-profit support, advocacy, service clubs, etc. Please include any awards or recognition.

5. How have you demonstrated innovation? *

How have you challenged the status quo, introduced fresh ideas, and driven positive change in your field or our community. Describe a specific example of how you have introduced a new idea, improved a process, or implemented a creative solution in your workplace, business, or our community.

6. What sets you apart? *

Tell us something that makes you memorable - something we can't Google or find on social media.

7. Why should you be named VFCC's FIRST Young Professional of the Year? *

OPTIONAL UPLOAD No. 1

Letter of support, photos, news clipping, etc.

OPTIONAL UPLOAD No. 2

Letter of support, photos, news clipping, etc.

Name of Person Completing this Application: *

First and Last Name

DISCLAIMER:

A minimum of two (2) applications must be received for an award category in order for that category to be considered for selection. If fewer than two applications are received, the VFCC Awards & Recognition Chair reserves the right to withdraw the category from this year’s awards.

Star Rating Scale *

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2025 VFCC Young Professional of the Year Application

Building Business. Building Community.

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