by Stephen Dafoe
Morinville – Small Business Week is still almost two months away and the Morinville and District Chamber of Commerce’s annual gala along with it. But the local business advocacy group is already making plans for the big day by seeking nominations for business of the year in a variety of categories.
“We want to showcase businesses,” said Chamber President Simon Boersma of the motivation behind the annual dinner and awards night. “A lot of the businesses work very hard to ensure that we have the customer service within our community.”
Boersma said by having nomination forms out in the public, the Chamber could showcase businesses in the community. “A lot of times people don’t realize what a town has to offer as far as great customer service,” he said. “You get to meet the people that actually live in the community and that do business within other businesses.”
The Chamber will showcase the nominees and winners in a variety of business categories and efforts. This year’s Business of the Year will be awarded for Small, Medium, Large, Home-based and Non Profit categories.
In order to be eligible for any of the Business of the Year awards the business must be a member of the Morinville and District Chamber of Commerce, and be in operation at the time of the awards presentation. The business must demonstrate excellence in the areas they consider key to their success. The business should relate their strengths and successes in areas of growth, stability, human resources, community involvement, marketing and promotional achievements, improvements in quality of products or services or increased productivity.
Once again a Community Service/Involvement award will be presented to the business that, in addition to being a Chamber member, has significantly contributed to the community either financially or with volunteer efforts, and has demonstrated their commitment to giving back to the community at large, and moved the community in a positive manner by way of their actions.
The Legacy Award will be presented to the Chamber member who best demonstrates long-term business success and growth of their business in addition to exceptional service to the community. Both the business and owner must be acknowledged by their peers in the regional business community to be eligible for this award. Size is not a criterion; however, long-term growth, overall job creation, investment and community service will all be considered in selecting this year’s recipient.
The Chamber will also recognize their Volunteer of the Year, an award that rewards an individual who has shown significant commitment and volunteerism to the Morinville and District Chamber of Commerce.
The last award category is the Youth Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, a relatively new award that recognizes a youth who has shown significant commitment and dedication to their employer, strives to provide exemplary customer service with a smile, and shows an interest in growing both as an employee and an individual.
Nomination forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office on 100 Avenue. Deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. Sept. 12.
The Chamber Gala will take place October 16 and will carry a Parisian theme. The Chamber is also looking for event sponsors. More information can be obtained by calling the Chamber office at 780-939-9462.
