The local chambers have put a call out for residents to nominate a business that has gone above and beyond.
The Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce and the Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce are on the hunt for the best businesses in the region.
“We always want to show that small business is really the heart and soul of our community,” expressed Serina Parsons, executive director for the Bonnyville chamber. “They employ many people, they give back to the community, and it’s just about that community involvement and saying, ‘hey, we support our business owners and we’re always happy to support new business as well.’ This is a great opportunity for businesses to showcase their abilities and involvement in the community.”
Nominations are being accepted until Aug. 16, with the winners being announced during the awards ceremony on Oct. 25 at the Cold Lake Energy Centre.
“It’s just a great night to recognize those businesses that have either delivered exceptional service or some other important aspect that they do in the community that they should be recognized for,” detailed Ryan Lefebvre, president of the Cold Lake chamber.
Businesses that have their names put forward will be notified, and have to pull together a profile for the panel of judges to consider.
“It’s given to the selection committee, it’s comprised of last year’s winners, and the selection committee will go through each of the profiles in each category and select a winner,” Lefebvre explained.
They will be vying for outstanding large and small business, most promising new business, outstanding not-for-profit, excellence in customer service, and community involvement.
When choosing a business to nominate, Parsons stressed the importance of advocating for your choice.
“Be as specific as possible about why you’re nominating this business. What in particular made you do it? What stood out for you? If it’s regarding the community involvement piece, what in particular did this business give back to the community? Was there volunteer hours? Was there silent auction donations, or in-kind donations? Just be specific... That will help the judges select the most deserving business for the award.”
Last year, Health First Physiotherapy received the award for Bonnyville’s most outstanding small business. Owner J.F. Bernier said just being considered made them proud.
“Knowing that there’s a lot of good businesses in the community, we weren’t really thinking we would win. We were happy with the nomination, to be present at the awards, and it was an added bonus to come out victorious,” he explained.
The BOYAs allows attendees to mingle with one another, and enjoy an evening out while celebrating each other’s successes.
“It’s a red carpet scenario. Everyone comes in, they get their pictures done, and you can be a celebrity for a night. It’s wonderful,” expressed Parsons.
Bernier encouraged residents to nominate a business for one of the awards.
“I think it’s sometimes overlooked that there are people who go out of their way and give you really good service, provide you with a good product, do the little bit extra in the community, and people don’t really think, ‘I should nominate these guys for business of the year.’ It’s kind of validating what businesses do and bring to the area to get nominated.”
Health First Physiotherapy proudly displays their framed certificate in their waiting room, and are looking forward to this year’s event.
For nomination forms, visit the Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce at bonnyvillechamber.com or the Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce at coldlakechamber.ca.
