Nominations are now open for the Owen Sound and District Chamber of Commerce business excellence awards.
The annual event recognizes local businesses for their efforts and achievements. There are 13 categories this year, with newly added category of agriculture.
This year, the community is doing both the nominating and voting for winners. Nominations close August 22nd. After that, there will be a two week voting period until September 5th.
Chamber Social Media and Events Coordinator Tiffany James says historically, aside from last year, winners were selected by another chamber organization.
The nomination process is simplified this year and requires nominators to enter the name and basic information about the business, rather than write a long-form nomination.
The categories are as follows:
1. Community Service
2. Community Service Not-For-Profit
3. New Business of the Year
4. Service Excellence
5. Hospitality
6. Agriculture
7. Skilled Trade 1-5 employees
8. Skilled Trade 6+ employees
9. Small Office / Home Office
10. Entrepreneur of the year (Under 35)
11. Entrepreneur of the year (over 35)
12. Business of the Year 1-24 employees
13. Business of the Year 25+ employees
You can nominate a business online at oschamber.com
A Mardi Gras themed chamber gala is scheduled for October 20th where the winners will be announced. Tickets are $75 a person or sold by table.
You can purchase a ticket through the Owen Sound and District Chamber of Commerce.