Firstrust Announces 3rd Annual "Philly's Business First Awards"

Firstrust Bank announces the start of its 3rd Annual Philly’s Business First Awards which shines a spotlight on local businesses making a positive difference as nominated and voted on by the public. Through this competition, Firstrust will recognize businesses that have displayed excellent business values.

“For a third year, this contest has been designed to recognize businesses with exemplary performance which have served as agents of change and growth in our community,” said Richard J. Green, C.E.O. and Vice Chairman of Firstrust Bank. “There are a lot of businesses who earn the trust of their communities every day and we look forward to recognizing their great efforts with Philly’s Business First Awards.”

Unique to the Philly’s Business First Awards, the public nominates and votes on the businesses that positively impact their communities. Last year over 500 area businesses were nominated and more than 5,000 votes were cast. Last year’s winner, Philadelphia law firm Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer Toddy P.C., generously donated their grand prize of $15,000 to Fresh Smiles Foundation, an organization that works to foster the development and growth of children whose lives have been adversely impacted by financial roadblocks.

Prizes will include:

• Grand Prize (1):
o $15,000 prize to split with a charity of their choice.
o One ad featuring their business in a local newspaper
o Feature name in Firstrust promotional and public relations activities
o Free financial consultation for their business
o Mention on Firstrust website, BizFirstAwards.com, and on Facebook.com

• Runners Up (2):
o $6,000 to share with a charity of their choice.
o Free financial consultation for their business
o Mention on Firstrust website, BizFirstAwards.com, and on Facebook.com

• Sweepstakes Prize (4)
o One iPad
How to Participate:
Participants can self-nominate their own business, or can nominate another business. Entries will be accepted until November 14, 2014.

Once the nomination period is closed, a panel of judges will determine the top 20 finalists, which will be announced on the Firstrust website www.firstrust.com, the awards website www.bizfirstawards.com and on Facebook.

The top 20 finalists will enter the public voting period beginning December 15, 2014. Voters will be able to place one vote per day for their favorite entry through January 9, 2015.

Top winners will be announced within 10 days of the closing day of the public voting period.