Swiss Amcham Southern California launches Avantgarde Awards

The Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce Southern California is inviting individuals, corporations, and other organizations with ties to Southern California and Switzerland to participate in the Avantgarde Awards.

The Chamber established the awards to recognize businesses whose inspirational achievements have contributed to their communities and developed economic ties between Southern California and Switzerland. Participating firms will gain unique exposure and access to businesses seeking to network within the Swiss-American business community.

“It’s our mission to further establish and grow the cohesion and friendship of the Swiss-American community and enable everyone participating with the opportunity to do more and to do it better, whatever each of us is striving for,” said Chamber Chairman Mathias "Mat" Hausherr in a statement.

A jury of industry American and Swiss representatives, governmental officials, and academic experts from the University of Southern California and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) will judge entrants’ submissions.

The jury’s criteria will include how companies have adopted or created technology and innovation; generated jobs; produced revenues; performed socially; pursued environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals; and demonstrated their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Five shortlisted nominees will have the opportunity to present their submissions to the jury and answer questions live. The winner and runner-up will be announced at the award ceremony at the Avantgarde Gala on Saturday, October 21 at the California Club in Los Angeles.

Entrants can register online to receive information about submission requirements. The registration cost is $229, or $199 for SoCal Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce members. The deadline for submissions is August 31. ce/jd