Program FAQs
Uplift LA, as a committee of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, is excited and honored to recognize individuals committed to the betterment of our communities through its Finest Under 40 recognition program. The purpose is to honor community members for their contributions to the region, recognizing rising professionals across the highlighted categories; those categories and their descriptions can be found by visiting the Finest Under 40 Categories Page.
FAQs of Uplift LA’s Finest Under 40
Why was Uplift LA’s Finest Under 40 started?
A team of rising professionals of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Area recognized that many individuals within our communities are doing commendable and noteworthy acts towards the betterment of our area and wanted to publicly recognize their work and accomplishments. In 2016 Uplift LA’s inaugural 40 Under 40 Honorees were recognized amongst the community receiving much praise and many accolades. In 2021, Uplift LA’s 40 Under 40 Program was re-energized to become Uplift LA’s Finest Under 40.
What are the categories of Uplift LA’s Finest Under 40 program?
Rather than focus on personal characteristics, the 2022 categories reflect the industries in which young professionals are employed in our area. There are many individuals under the age of 40 who are committing hours every day to making their organization better and ultimately contributing to our community. To be more inclusive of individuals who simply provide a great experience to area residents, instead of just what their job asks them to do, the categories have been revised and the descriptions can be found by clicking here.
What is the nomination process for Finest Under 40?
The nomination period is open for a short window each year. After an individual is nominated, they are asked to confirm their eligibility (they must be under the age of 40 by December 31 of the program year and they must work in Androscoggin County). The nomination period varies slightly by year, and can be found on Uplift LA’s Facebook, Instagram and by signing up for email alerts here.
When am I able to vote for Uplift LA’s Finest Under 40?
Voting is open for a short window after nominations are collected, confirmed and accepted. The voting window provides enough time for the community to read and learn about all of the nominees to make an educated selection when submitting their voting ballot.
What is the voting process for Finest Under 40?
We encourage those voting to take the time to review the list of all nominated rising professionals in each category. You will not be required to cast a vote in every category, however, you are welcome to review the additional categories that recognize others who are committed to their job in Androscoggin County.
How many times can I vote during the Finest Under 40 voting phase?
We invite our communities to vote as often as they like, only one submission per email address. The first submission from each valid email address will be used, all others will be removed.
Do nominees have to meet age specifications for eligibility?
Uplift LA’s Finest Under 40 Awards are geared towards recognizing rising professionals that are working towards the betterment of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Area. While there is no minimum age, honorees must be under the age of 40 years old as of December 31st of the program year.
How many times can an individual be nominated for one of Uplift LA’s Finest Under 40 Awards?
An individual can be nominated for one of Uplift LA’s Finest Under 40 awards each year during the annual nomination phase. We encourage you to submit as much information about the work that your nominee is doing for a robust and thorough nomination.
How many honorees will be recognized each year through Uplift LA’s Finest Under 40?
New in 2021, Uplift LA’s Finest Under 40 will showcase many rising professionals of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Region, but will recognize only one winner per industry category.
How is an Uplift LA Finest Under 40 Awardee determined?
The selection process of an Uplift LA Finest Under 40 finalist is simple. All nominations will be posted on the Uplift LA website during the community voting period. The individual who receives the most votes will be named in-person at the recognition event.
Are only Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Area Chamber of Commerce and/or Uplift LA members and its affiliates eligible for one of Uplift LA’s Finest Under 40 Awards?
All rising professionals that are working in Androscoggin COunty are eligible to be recognized as one of Uplift LA’s FInest Under 40. There are no eligibility requirements regarding membership or association with Uplift LA or the LA Metro Chamber of Commerce.
How many nominations have been submitted and how honorees have been recognized through Uplift LA's Finest Under 40?
As of November 2021, the program had received over 460 nominations. Each nomination highlighted the great accomplishments and contributions our young and rising professionals are making to Androscoggin County.
The 460 nominations have resulted in 6,800 community votes; leading to 140 unique individuals under the age of 40 being honored.
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