The Summerland Chamber of Economic Development and Tourism will recognize outstanding individuals, businesses and organizations at the 24th annual Summerland Community Excellence Awards Gala in February.
Lisa Jaager, manager of the chamber, said nominations for the awards will be accepted until Jan. 27.
Nominations must state why the person, business or organization is outstanding.
Once the nominations have been received, an anonymous seven-member panel will review them and select the award recipients.
Jaager said the panel will ensure awards are based on merit rather than on popularity.
“The nominations have to be really good,” she said. “There needs to be some meat in them.”
Jaager said only one entry was received for the manufacturing category last year, but other award categories had between two and five nominations in each.
This year, in addition to the standard list of categories, an Employer of the Year category has also been included.
The awards gala will be held on Feb. 25, 2012 at the Summerland Waterfront Resort. Tickets for the event will go on sale in mid-January.
The Summerland Chamber of Economic Development and Tourism has awards in 13 categories this year.
Business Excellence
This award recognizes an exceptional business with a commitment to overall best business practice, customer service, employee relations, superior marketing strategies and positive public image.
Citizen
of the Year
The Citizen of the Year is a leader and has made a lasting difference by their work and actions in business, not-for-profit or community organizations. This person is motivated primarily by a desire to support Summerland.
Volunteer
of the Year
This award recognizes the contribution through voluntary commitment to the people and places of Summerland.
Professional Service Award
The Professional Service Award recognizes a professional in the community who has provided superior service to a client, customer or the community. This person or business has exceeded the expectations of the client.
Employee
of the Year
This award recognizes an individual who, in the performance of their responsibilities, goes beyond assigned duties.
Employer
of the Year
This award is to recognize an exceptional employer who promotes personal and professional development, creates a positive work environment, practices progressive human resource policies and encourages community involvement.
Home Based Business
of the Year
The award is presented to a home-based business that consistently delivers quality service, skilled marketing, superior merchandising and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
Sports Award
This award goes to any team, coach, individual or organization that has parlayed sports into an economic driver in Summerland. The nominees will have demonstrated collaboration between sports and business.
Manufacturer/Industry
of the Year
The Manufacturer/Industrial Business Award is presented to a business that has strengthened the economic base of Summerland through development, manufacturing or fabrication of a product.
Retailer
of the Year
The Retailer of the Year has been proactive to changing market trends, embraced new technologies or ideas and has combined skilled marketing with good selling practices.
Tourism and Hospitality Excellence
The nominee in this category works well with others in the industry and shows leadership by the use of cross-promotions and innovative marketing strategies.
Agriculture/Viticulture Excellence
This award recognizes a Summerland individual or business/farm operator who provides leadership, innovation and quality to this important industry.
Youth of the Year
A resident of Summerland who is 19 or younger and has shown an entrepreneurial spirit in their dedication and commitment to our community through their interest in business, leadership, peer mentoring and personal achievement.
Community Spirit Award
This award is for the individual, group, business or organization that has demonstrated outstanding community spirit by actively participating in or promoting community events, festivals or projects.