The Yarmouth & Area Chamber of Commerce has opened the nomination process for its 14th annual business awards, which this year include two new categories: Business Leader of the Year and Artisan Business of the Year.
“These new categories allow the chamber to better serve its membership base and represent the make-up of the business community better,” said Rick Allwright, the chamber’s executive director. “We have historically had a very good participation in nominations and we are hoping for even more this year.”
The awards will be presented Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Mariners Centre.
The business awards process will be widely promoted on the chamber’s social media pages and through its membership database, Allwright says. Nominations can be filed online at www.yarmouthchamberofcommerce.com or forms can be provided at the chamber office.
“You can’t just submit a name,” Allwright said. “We want to know why you’re nominating them, so we ask for nominators to be detailed in why they are submitting the nomination.”
They also ask those nominated to complete some questions to help judges reach a decision.
Nominations are open to Yarmouth County and the surrounding areas.
“You don’t have to be a member of the chamber to nominate or be nominated,” Allwright said, adding there’s an incentive to enter a nomination. “For every nomination made, the nominator gets their name in a draw for a $500 gift basket comprised of items from various chamber members.”
The deadline to submit nominations to the chamber is Friday, Sept. 6.
Nominees will be reviewed by a judging panel consisting of three members of the business community who are not on the chamber’s board of directors.
Tickets for the awards ceremony go on sale Sept. 7 and include a three-course meal. Doors at the Oct. 24 event will open at 5:30 p.m., with the presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The following are the award categories:
• Business of the Year (1-10 employees)
• Business of the Year (11 + employees)
• Rising Star of the Year
• Export Achievement
• Community Impact
• Customer Service Award
• Business Leader of the Year
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year
• Tourism Business of the Year
• Artisan Business of the Year
For more information, contact the chamber office. Phone: 902-742-3074. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.yarmouthchamberofcommerce.com
