Apply

The 2010 NorthCoast 99 application is now closed. Check back for updates on the 2011 application process.

To receive current updates and information regarding the 2010 program including tips and secrets about building a great workplace, follow the NorthCoast 99 program on Twitter at www.twitter.com/northcoast99.

If you have questions about the program, please email NC99@ercnet.org.

Application Process

1. Register Your Organization
   You (or someone from your HR, Marketing, or Leadership team) will need to register your organization at www.northcoast99.org/application.

2. Branding and Culture Submission
   You will be required to submit the following information for your organization to be considered for the NorthCoast 99 Award:
   • Employee Handbook*
   • Mission Statement*
   • Organization Chart*
   • Three (3) sample job ads posted in the last year
   • Two (2) samples of materials that promote your organization as a great place to work (i.e. online video, brochure, DVD, etc.)
   • At least one (1) sample of information given to job candidates that promote Northeast Ohio as a great place to live and work

   This information may be submitted via e-mail to nc99@ercnet.org or may be mailed to ERC at the following address:

   ERC / NorthCoast 99
   6700 Beta Drive, Suite 300
   Mayfield Village, OH 44143

   *If your organization applied in 2009 and already submitted this information, you will not need to resubmit it for consideration for the 2010 program. If you have made changes to your handbook, mission statement, and/or organization chart since your last submission, you need only to submit the updated information.

3. New-Hire Assessment
   You need to select three (3) employees hired by your organization in 2009 and employed in Northeast Ohio to complete a short online assessment the effectiveness of your organization’s recruiting, selection, new-hire engagement, and on-boarding initiatives.

4. Top Performer Engagement Survey
   You need to select a group of top performers within your organization to complete an online survey that measures their engagement with your organization. The number of required participants depends on the number of people your organization employs in Northeast Ohio.

   # of Employees	Participants Required
   1-50	5
   51-100	10
   101-250	15
   Over 250	20

   
   
5. Top Performer Workplace Practices Audit
   You (or someone from your HR, Marketing, or Leadership team) need to complete a comprehensive online questionnaire that asks for detailed information about your organization's policies and practices in the areas of staffing & workforce planning; development & training; compensation & rewards; organizational culture; and organizational innovation, success, and performance.

   Because of the level of detail required to complete the application, we highly encourage members of your organization's Leadership, HR, or Marketing teams participate in the process. If you believe your organization should apply but are not a part of those teams, please click here to nominate your employer for the 2010 award.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the award, your organization must have been in existence for a minimum of three (3) years and have at least 15 full-time equivalent employees in Northeast Ohio. Only employers located in Northeast Ohio are eligible for the award. For the purpose of this award, Northeast Ohio is defined as the 22-county region including the following: Ashland, Ashtabula, Carroll, Columbiana, Crawford, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Harrison, Holmes, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, and Wayne counties.

No Cost to Apply

ERC is extremely passionate about helping organizations in Northeast Ohio build better workplaces. As an extension of that passion, we charge no fees to nominate your organization or apply for the award. Plus, all applicants will receive a free detailed report comparing their responses to those of the NorthCoast 99 winners!

Application Timeline

• Applications for the 2010 NorthCoast 99 Award will be accepted beginning in February 2010 until May 2010. (Please note: the 2010 application process has ended)
• Winners will be selected and notified in July.
• Winners will be announced to the public in September at www.northcoast99.org and in Inside Business Magazine.
• Winners will also be recognized at the annual NorthCoast 99 Awards Dinner in September 2010.

Special Awards

If your organization is selected as one of the 2010 NorthCoast 99, you may also be selected for one of a number of "Special Awards". Selection is based on your submissions and the awards and award winners will be honored at the NorthCoast 99 Awards Dinner and highlighted in the September issue of Inside-Business Magazine.