Recognition matters for employees, volunteers, student-athletes, or community members. Studies show that when people feel appreciated and recognized for their hard work, they continue to work hard to make a difference.
As a state-shaped award company, we feel honored to help businesses and communities alike show their appreciation for the people who work hard to make a community thrive.
Here are 9 unique ways to use state-shaped awards to recognize the members of your community.
1. A Local Twist on Employee of the Year
Every worker wants to be recognized. 83% of employees feel that recognition affects their motivation in the workplace, which is why it’s even more important to show appreciation for your team’s great work.
Rather than giving them a generic plaque, create an employee of the year award shaped like the state where your business is based. Engrave their name, and the year of recognition on it to make it a keepsake they’ll be proud to show off.
2. Sales Milestones with a Competitive Edge
Sales teams thrive on motivation. One of the easiest ways to keep employees motivated and engaged is to reward them when they achieve their goals and milestones. Studies reveal that organizations with high employee engagement levels are 23% more profitable and increase productivity by 18%.
Awarding top performers with a state-shaped trophy representing their territory or the company’s home state boosts morale. Customization options allow you to include sales figures and company logos as well.
3. Choose a Personal Retirement Gift
62% of Americans prefer personalized gifts over costly store-bought items, which is why a career’s worth of dedication deserves more than a simple thank-you card. A state-shaped award that reflects where they built their legacy serves as a heartfelt reminder of their contributions.
Engrave a personalized message to add an emotional touch and make their gift feel even more important.
4. Community Appreciation Awards
After the COVID-19 pandemic, over 75.7 million, or 28.3% of Americans aged 16 and up, formally volunteered to help their community. It’s essential to support and recognize local heroes who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of those around them.
Whether you’re supporting a volunteer, educator, or first responder, state-shaped awards reinforce the connection between their service and the community. They are a simple yet powerful way to acknowledge their impact.
5. Corporate Anniversary Celebrations
Celebrating years in business is a significant milestone. Companies with strong recognition cultures have 31% lower voluntary turnover rates than their competitors.
Start your recognition program with a state-shaped award engraved with the company’s founding year and achievements. This award would make a memorable centerpiece for an office or lobby. Remember to highlight the milestones your company achieved along the way.
6. Recognizing Business Partners
Strong businesses are built on stronger partnerships. In fact, 77% of companies believe partnership development is one of the cornerstones of their marketing strategy.
Take the time to show appreciation to vendors, clients, and collaborators with a customized state-shaped award featuring your company’s logo and a message of gratitude. Your partners won’t forget you; you’ll have a permanent place in their mantle while strengthening the relationship.
7. Fundraising and Charity Recognition
Nonprofits and fundraising organizations rely on dedicated individuals and sponsors to advance their missions. There are 1.8 million nonprofit organizations in the United States, and now is the perfect time to present a state-shaped award as a token of appreciation.
8. Athletic Achievements with a Regional Focus
Last year, 2024, signaled an all-time high for the total number of high school athletes. For local sports teams and high school athletes, they love awards that reflect their home turf.
A state-shaped trophy engraved with a championship title, team name, or individual achievements adds extra significance.
9. Educational Achievements Worth Displaying
Schools and universities honor students for academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular success. The data shows that positive reinforcement encourages young people to continue their studies and improve their grades.
A state-shaped award, personalized with a school crest or mascot, is a tangible reminder of hard work and dedication. It also makes a great gift for alumni who want to remember their roots.
Ready to Recognize Your Community?
Personalization plays a key role in meaningful recognition. Awards that reflect a specific location create a stronger emotional connection.
At StateShapedAwards.com, each piece is crafted with care, allowing you to choose materials, engraving details, and finishes that fit the occasion. Whether you need a few awards or a bulk order for an entire team, you can create something that feels personal and unique.
Order your custom state-shaped awards today!
