WESTLOCK – Nominations are open to recognize businesses at the upcoming Westlock and District Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala.
Nominations can be submitted until March 14, said Chamber President Graeme Harrington during their luncheon held at the Westlock Legion Hall on Feb. 18.
“All nominations are anonymous,” said Harrington, adding that an outside Chamber organization chooses the winners.
There will be three awards handed out for Business of the Year in three categories, including businesses with one to 10 employees, 11 to 29 employees, and 30 or more employees. Businesses will be judged on their distinguished track record of excellence, effective marketing strategies, commitment to delivering high-quality products /services, nurturing strong employee-employer relationships, and making noteworthy contributions to the community.
The Exceptional Customer Service (Individual) Award will go to the individual who exhibits outstanding customer service skills through the consistent delivery of high-quality service and surpasses expectations to go above and beyond in assisting customers.
The Exceptional Customer Service (Business) Award recognizes a business that exemplifies exceptional customer service skills through a commitment to going above and beyond the standard duty to assist customers and consistently provides high-quality service.
A Restoration/Renovation Award will go to a business that has undergone improvements, renovations, or restorations of its premises within the last 12 months to enhance or promote its operations.
The Innovation Award is presented to a business that has demonstrated an innovative approach to business growth, maintaining customer loyalty, or staging a comeback. This could encompass introducing a new business model, product line, or service that was not previously considered part of typical business operations.
The Digital Marketing Award will be given to a business that has demonstrated excellence in marketing and promoting its brand through various online channels. This would include marketing through social media, websites, and online advertising platforms.
The Community Ambassador Award acknowledges an individual who has exhibited leadership qualities in orchestrating an event or successfully completing a significant project in the previous year, contributing to the enhancement of our business community. This individual may have served as a volunteer in the community.
The New Business Award recognizes a business that has operated for three years or less, contributing to the positive image of the Westlock business community and embodying the kind of business practices that customers find highly desirable. Businesses previously honoured in this category are not eligible for nomination.
A Pioneer Award will be presented to an individual businessperson who has made a positive and lasting impact on the business community for over 20 years. Nominations in this category will be treated with confidentiality.
The Youth Leadership Award acknowledges upcoming leaders and inspires youth to aim for their potential. This award will identify the future leaders of tomorrow and initiate the establishment of connections with business owners and team leaders within the community.
The Not-for-Profit Award will go to a not-for-profit organization that has demonstrated exceptional dedication to its mission and made a significant positive impact within the community This award recognizes the efforts of a non-profit business in serving the needs of others and contributing to the betterment of the community.
The nomination forms are online at the Westlock and District Chamber of Commerce’s website. Completed forms can be dropped off to the office of PT Law LLP at 9831 – 107 Street in Westlock or emailed to [email protected]
Nominations close March 14 and tickets for the gala will then be available. Last year there were about 400 people attending and Harrington expects approximately the same number this year.
“It’s a great evening and great networking,” said Harrington.
The cost for tickets has slightly increased this year, from $60 to $75 for an individual, and from $500 to $600 for a table of 10.
Harrington said that if a few businesses want to go together to buy a table, the Chamber will honour that.
Each award is sponsored by a business or association, but Harrington said the sponsorships sell out fast so any businesses or organizations wanting to sponsor an award should do so soon.
The gala will feature a live band, The Good, The Band and The Ugly from Edmonton.
