Denise Blashko (Photo supplied)
Is there a local business you think has done an especially good job this past year?
You can nominate that business – and perhaps a few others – for one of the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce (SOCC) Business Excellence Awards.
The chamber is accepting nominations from the general public in four business award categories. Nominated businesses do not have to be SOCC members, but they must be from Osoyoos, Oliver or Okanagan Falls and surrounding area, said Denise Blashko, executive director.
The Business Excellence categories are:
- Entrepreneur of the Year;
- Small Business of the Year;
- Large Business of the Year;
- Customer Service Excellence.
The deadline for nominations is Thursday, Dec. 31. The awards will be presented at the SOCC’s annual general meeting and awards night on Friday, Jan. 29 at the Frank Venables Theatre in Oliver.
The Entrepreneur of the year must have been in business for three years. Those nominating a business in this category should consider how the business owner displays leadership or visionary skills, how they are involved in the community, and how the businessperson acts as a role model for staff.
Small businesses are defined as those with six or fewer full-time employees and large businesses as those with seven or more. Those nominating them should describe how the business stands out and why they should be recognized.
The Customer Service Excellence award is new this year and is awarded to an individual who provides consistent dedication to customer service.
“We really wanted to celebrate those that are putting the time and effort into making customer service a priority for them,” said Blashko. “We’ve been hearing that more businesses are making that a focus.”
The award replaces a new one last year for best workplace environment.
Blashko said the chamber hopes to increase the number of award categories next year.
The awards presentation allows entrepreneurs and business owners who work so hard to celebrate their successes, said Blashko.
“Considering we have so many small businesses in our region, it is just a great time for all of us to recognize and acknowledge the businesses that work so hard in our area,” she said.
The awards night also raises the profiles of businesses that are doing well and inspires others through the sharing of best practices, she added.
“It creates some energy and momentum,” she said. “We’ve got some amazing businesses in the South Okanagan.”
While the AGM, which takes place from 6 to 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 29 is for SOCC members only, the cocktail reception and awards presentation is open to anyone.
The cocktail reception, featuring the taste of the South Okanagan, runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and includes a stand-up buffet.
The awards presentation follows at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $29.
For more information about how to nominate a business, visit www.sochamber.ca and download the two-page information sheet. The SOCC can also be reached at 250-498-6321.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
