| Frequently Asked Questions |
What is this award?
The Hottest Companies awards honor software and technology providers who target the manufacturing industry and have developed innovative applications or products.
Who can enter?
Companies that provide software and/or technology for the manufacturing space are eligible for this award.
What is the deadline?
The deadline for entries is January 18, 2008. Entries will not be accepted after
this deadline.
How do we enter?
The deadline for 2008 has passed. Please click here to view other SPC awards that are still open for submissions.
What is the best way to submit?
We recommend that entries be completed as follows:
- Steps 1 – 2 should be completed in a Word document, to be emailed
along with the required materials in Step 3.
- Step 4 is the required subscription. Please provide the requested information
in the above-mentioned Word document, if necessary.
- Steps 5 – 8 (the final ballot page) should be completed on the
ballot page itself, including all the necessary signatures. This page can
be scanned and emailed along with the additional materials or faxed to 630.933.0845.
This is the ONLY page that should be faxed.
- Entries can also be mailed to the magazine directly. Applications must
be received on or before the submission deadline to be accepted.
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Where should entries be sent?
Specialty Publishing Co.
c/o START-IT magazine – Hottest Companies Awards
135 E. St. Charles Rd. Suite D
Carol Stream, IL 60188
Email: mmayer@start-itmag.com
Fax: 630.933.0845
Can we enter on behalf of another company?
Yes. The company listed in Step 1 on the ballot will be considered the entrant, or the company that is eligible to win. In the past, public relations firms have aided in the submission. This is acceptable, however, the applying companies must approve the final entry as well as provide the required signatures.
Can we submit more than one entry?
No. Each company can only submit one entry.
What is the entry fee?
The entry fee is $125 USD, which includes a subscription to the magazine. Entry fees are nonrefundable. The Awards program does not provide any discounts for entry fees. The application form includes a step where payment for the entry fee can be fulfilled. This step must be completed upon submission, or the application will not be accepted.
What are the judging criteria?
Applicants are judged on a variety of criteria including revenue growth (private companies may provide percentages), important client wins, and significant events and accomplishments during the past year that help set a company apart from the competition.
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Who judges the entries?
The editors of Start-IT evaluate the entries.
What do the judges do when they judge our entry?
With the Hottest Companies Awards, each judge reads your entered document and reviews it. Each judge rates the entry on whether or not it is deserving of being named “Hot.”
Can we talk to the judges?
No. We do not allow the entrants to have contact with the judges in regard to how they will be viewing the entry.
Does the magazine publish our entry material?
START-IT magazine publishes print and Web articles highlighting the winners. This material is based on the award submission. We recommend
you do not submit material that is not for publication.
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How are the winners determined?
The judges evaluate each company, and the panel will determine the winners based on the criteria.
When do we hear if we won?
Entrants will be notified that they have been named a winner, prior to the public announcement of the awards. An article naming the year’s Hottest Companies will appear in the Spring issue of START-IT.
How will we be notified we are a winner?
The Awards Coordinator contacts the persons named in the application by either phone or email. It is extremely important that each nominee provides email addresses that will be operable throughout 2008 and that will accept email from START-IT magazine.
How does the magazine publicize the winners?
START-IT magazine will issue a press release, publish a print
article announcing the winners, and post the company names
on its Website.
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Can the winners send out a press release?
Yes. All winners are encouraged to send out a press release as the winners are announced. The magazine is also delighted to grant quotes for each winner for companies to publicize in their press releases. Please make sure that START-IT magazine is given the opportunity to approve press releases containing information and/or quotes pertaining to and coming from START-IT magazine and its awards program.
Who has won in the past?
Past winners can be viewed here:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 |2004 | 2003
Can we see past winning entries?
You are not able to view the actual entries submitted; however, please view
START-IT’s articles featuring past winners.
What do we do if we have further questions?
All questions should be directed to Michelle Mayer at 630.933.0844 ext. 246,
or via email at mmayer@start-itmag.com.
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