Nominations open for Business Excellence Awards

Nominations have opened for the Summerland Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Excellence Awards.

Related: Nominations received for 2018 Summerland excellence awards

Now in their 81st year, the awards recognize businesses, entrepreneurs and organizations for their successes and contributions to the local economy and community. Summerland residents are encouraged to nominate a great business, individual or organization today. Self-nominations are not only accepted but encouraged.

“If your organization is excellent, please let the chamber know,” said David Hull, the chamber’s executive director.

This year, the awards will be determined by an adjudication process, with each nominee participating in a conversational interview with a three-person panel.

“It was really important to return subjectivity to the process,” said Hull, the chamber’s executive director. “The awards are not a popularity contest. We are looking to identify businesses, individuals, and organizations who excel in their field. At the end of the interviews the panel will determine the recipient.”

There are 12 categories for the 2019 awards, wit some new and others modified to better match Summerland’s economic profile.

The twelve categories are business of the year; hospitality and tourism excellence; manufacturing and production excellence; non-profit organization of the year; young entrepreneur of the year; customer service excellence; business person of the year; business to business excellence; accredited professional services excellence; new business of the year; retailer of the year; agriculture and agri-business excellence.

Nominations are open to any business, organization or individual operating in the greater Summerland area. Additional information and the nomination forms can be found at summerlandchamber.com or by contacting Lisa at the chamber office at 250 494 2686.

Nominees will be recognized at a special nominee’s reception event Feb. 21 at the Summerland Waterfront Resort Hotel and the winners announced at an awards gala on Mar. 30 at Centre Stage Theatre.