Chamber presenting business awards
By Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer
The Claresholm and District Chamber of Commerce is looking to recognize outstanding businesses in the area, and the deadline for nominations is coming fast.
“We’re really excited to bring the business awards back,” said Amanda Zimmer, president of the chamber of commerce. “Each of the awards is sponsored by a chamber member.”
The awards have not been presented since 2007, so the chamber is starting simply with five awards.
“We thought it was time to recognize our local businesses for the effort they have put into the community and recognize them for their hard work,” Zimmer said.
The five awards are: chamber business of the year; customer service of the year; community involvement; most improved industrial property; and most improved commercial property.
The awards are open to all businesses except the chamber business of the year who must be a chamber member in good standing.
The awards will be presented on the evening of Oct. 17 at Putters in the Bridges at Claresholm Golf Club.
There will be a dinner with appetizers, a cocktail hour and a guest speaker, Angela Groeneveld.
She is with Business Link, and will be talking about the face of change for rural small business and present a tool kit on adapting in the face of change.
Deadline for nominations is Aug. 30.
All nominations wll be counted, and the top nominees will receive a nominatiopn package.
They have to complete that package, which essentially means making their case as to why they should win the award.
Top nominees will receive their packages the first week of September and must return them by Sept. 15.
The chamber executive will select the winners of each award based on these nomination packages.
Tickets will go on sale after that for the awards dinner, and should be in the $20 to $30 range.
There will be different prices for members and non-members.
Nominations can be submitted to Amanda Zimmer at the Claresholm Local Press or e-mail president@claresholmchamber.ca (no dashes or spaces).