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The Employer Excellence Certification Program celebrates and supports Cobb County businesses that go above and beyond in fostering a positive, supportive, and engaging workplace. This initiative recognizes organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to employee well-being, engagement, and long-term retention through innovative and inclusive workplace practices.
By receiving this certification, businesses signal to current and prospective employees that they prioritize people, cultivate belonging, and actively invest in creating environments where individuals can thrive both personally and professionally.
Any business with at least two (2) full-time employees is eligible to apply. Membership in the Cobb Chamber is not required for this certification; however, Cobb Chamber members will receive discounted rates to apply.
The Employer Excellence Certification Committee will assign point values based upon responses and documents to each question category. Score totals will then be added together, and the sum of an applicant’s total points will correlate with their certification level.
After committee review, applicants will be notified of their score and will receive a scorecard for more in-depth information relating to each category. Certification Recipients will receive an invitation to a Cobb Chamber Signature event where they will be recognized. Certification Recipients will also receive an ‘Employer Excellence Promotional Guide’ with materials and templates for promoting your certification recognition.
Please review both the Application Preparation Document & FAQ Document for more in-depth information and helpful tips to prepare for your application submission.
What is the Employer Excellence Certification Program?
The Employer Excellence Certification Program recognizes Cobb County businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to workplace quality, employee engagement, retention, and equitable practices. Certified employers are recognized as organizations that intentionally invest in their people and workplace culture.
Who operates and governs the program?
The program is administered by SelectCobb in partnership with the Cobb Chamber. Program standards, scoring criteria, and oversight are guided by the Employer Excellence Certification Committee made up of subject-matter experts in HR, workforce development, business leadership, and organizational culture.
Is this a certification for employees or employers?
This certification is awarded to employers, not individual employees. It evaluates organizational practices, policies, and outcomes related to workforce excellence.
Is this a competitive award?
No. Businesses are evaluated against established criteria and standards, not against one another. Multiple businesses may earn certification at the same level in a given year.
How does the program ensure fairness and consistency?
• Standardized scoring rubric
• Committee-based review
• Conflict-of-interest policies for reviewers
• Annual Rubric and Application review
Who is eligible to apply?
Any business operating with at least two (2) full-time employees is eligible to apply.
Do I have to be a Cobb Chamber Member to apply?
No. Both members and non-members are encouraged to apply! If you are a member, you have the benefit of a discounted Application Fee.
Are franchises eligible?
Yes, franchises are welcome to apply. Franchise applicants must submit an overview of corporate policies, but answer questions with the workplace policies that are specifically associated with their owned locations.
How is employee count determined?
Employee thresholds are based on full-time employees (FT). Full-time status is defined as employees who regularly work 30 or more hours per week.
Are part-time/ contract/ or seasonal employees considered?
Yes. While employee count tiers are based on full-time employees, applicants are asked to disclose:
• Employee makeup: full-time employees, part-time employees, contract employees, and/ or seasonal employees.
• Policies and practices supporting part-time staff
These practices may positively impact scoring in applicable categories.
Is there a separate track for micro businesses?
Yes. Businesses with 2–9 full-time employees are evaluated within a micro-business-focused framework that accounts for scale, resources, and organizational structure.
How does the micro business track differ from the standard program?
The micro business track:
• Uses simplified documentation requirements
• Focuses more on practices and intent than formalized policies
• Applies adjusted scoring expectations appropriate for smaller teams
The core values and standards of excellence remain consistent across all tracks.
When does the application open?
The 2026 Employer Excellence application opens on Monday, March 30, 2026 and will remain open until 11:59 on Friday, March 22, 2026.
What is required to apply?
Applicants must complete the online application and submit required supporting documentation related to workplace practices, benefits, policies, and engagement strategies.
Is there an application fee?
Yes. A one-time application fee is due upon submission:
• Non-Member: $100
• Signature & Premier Members: $85
• Chairman’s Circle Members: $50
Is the application fee refundable?
No. Application fees are non-refundable, regardless of certification outcome.
Who reviews applications?
Applications are reviewed by the Employer Excellence Certification Committee using a standardized scoring rubric.
How are applications scored?
Applications are scored based on established criteria across categories such as:
• Workplace Flexibility & Work–Life Integration
• Employee Engagement
• Employee Development
• Health, Well-Being & Safety
• Compensation & Financial Well-Being
• Company Civility & Culture
• Community & Employee Impact
Are scores shared with applicants?
Applicants receive a summary of results, including certification status and feedback for improvement.
Can a business be denied certification?
Yes. If an applicant does not meet the minimum scoring threshold, certification may not be awarded. Feedback and improvement guidance will be provided.
How many certification levels are there?
The program includes three (3) certification levels, reflecting varying degrees of workplace excellence.
• Gold
• Silver
• Bronze
How are certified businesses recognized?
Certified employers are:
• Notified directly of their certification level
• Recognized at a Cobb Chamber Signature Event
• Included in SelectCobb and Chamber press release & social media marketing
• Window decal with the corresponding certification level and year.
• Receive an ‘Employer Excellence Promotional Guide’ with materials and templates for promoting your certification recognition.
Is there a certification fee?
Yes. Certified businesses are billed an Annual Certification Fee based on their full-time employee count.
When is the certification fee billed?
The annual certification fee is billed approximately 30 days after certification is awarded and annually thereafter during the certification term.
Are certification fees refundable?
No. Certification fees are non-refundable once invoiced.
How long is certification valid?
Certification is valid for three (3) years from the award date.
Is annual renewal required during the 3-year term?
Yes. Certified businesses pay an annual certification fee each year to maintain active status.
What happens at the end of the 3-year term?
Businesses must complete a Re-Certification process every 3 years, which includes updated documentation and a full review.
Is re-certification different from the initial application?
Yes. Re-certification:
• Reviews updated practices and changes over time
• Confirms continued alignment with program standards
• Resets the certification term for an additional three years
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