The list of nominees and award winners for the 80th annual Summerland Business and Community Excellence Awards is impressive.
The awards, which were presented at Centre Stage Theatre on Saturday evening, served to highlight some of the best local businesses as well as individuals who are working to make Summerland a better place.
There were 12 business awards, an arts award, a youth award, an award for citizen or volunteer of the year and the Mayor’s Award of Excellence.
In some cases, the sheer number of nominees was impressive.
There were 10 businesses nominated for Business of the Year and 11 for the Rising Star/New Business Award. This is given to a business which was formed with in the past two years.
When this many nominations are received, it shows there are plenty of businesses which have made a strong impression on their customers, time after time.
Voting was close and Summerland Chamber officials said in many categories, the online voting was within a couple of votes, showing the strength of Summerland’s business community.
In each category, the nominees have worked to provide excellence, and the nominations demonstrate that this extra effort has not gone unnoticed.
Whether the nominees were young entrepreneurs with new businesses, experienced professionals at well-established organizations or individuals involved with community organizations, all have made important contributions.
For the businesses nominated, this extra effort is what it takes to earn the trust of customers and clients, every day.
For the community volunteers, their ongoing dedication has helped to improve the quality of life for all Summerlanders.
These ongoing efforts are making a difference. The pursuit of excellence is benefitting the entire community.