The Rules

1. Eligibility to Enter: Any individual aged 18 or older is eligible to submit a vote in the Rock Hill Business Excellence Awards. You do not need to own a business to participate in the voting process. Business owners are allowed to vote for themselves.
2. Eligibility of Nominees: Only businesses based in York County, South Carolina, are eligible for nomination and recognition. Nominations submitted for businesses outside of York County will be disqualified.
3. Geographic Location of Entrants: Entrants (voters) may be located anywhere within the United States. Voting is limited to U.S. residents only.
4. Voting Guidelines: Each unique individual is allowed to submit one vote per business category. Any additional or duplicate votes from the same individual, IP address, or email will not be counted. Rock Hill Connection reserves the right to verify and disqualify any votes deemed in violation of this policy.
5. Duplicate Submissions: Duplicate or repeat submissions from the same voter will be automatically removed and will not count toward the final tally. We use technical measures to ensure the integrity of unique voting.
6. Optional Categories: All voting categories are optional, and entrants may choose to vote in as many or as few categories as they wish. There is no penalty for leaving categories blank.
7. Determination of Winners: Winners in each category will be determined based on the highest tally of unique votes received by eligible businesses within York County. In the event of a tie, Rock Hill Connection reserves the right to implement a tiebreaker process, including, but not limited to, evaluating the businesses’ online reputation.
8. Verification of Eligibility: Rock Hill Connection reserves the right to verify the eligibility of any business nominated for an award. This may include confirmation of business address and proof of operations within York County, South Carolina.
9. Disqualification and Voting Integrity: Any evidence of fraudulent voting activity, including but not limited to the use of bots, automated voting, or other manipulation tactics, will result in immediate disqualification of affected entries and may result in further actions as deemed appropriate by Rock Hill Connection.
10. Voting Period: Voting will open on Monday, November 11th, 2024 and close on Sunday, December 15th, 2024. Only votes submitted during this period will be counted. Late submissions will not be accepted.
11. Announcement of Winners: Winners will be publicly announced on Thursday, December 19th via email, social media channels, and other public communications associated with Rock Hill Connection. Winners may also be highlighted in the Rock Hill Connection Facebook Group and other marketing channels.
12. Privacy Policy: By submitting a vote, entrants agree to allow Rock Hill Connection and Sharpen Marketing to collect and use their contact information for the purpose of administering the awards and for other marketing purposes. All personal information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
13. Indemnification: By participating in the Rock Hill Business Excellence Awards, entrants agree to release and hold harmless Sharpen Marketing, Rock Hill Connection, and any affiliates, employees, or partners from any and all liability, loss, or damage arising from or in connection with their participation.
14. Modifications: Rock Hill Connection reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the awards program at any time without prior notice if necessary. This includes the right to change these rules to ensure fair and proper administration of the awards.

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