BONNYVILLE - The Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for its 2024 Business Resiliency Awards.
According to Serina Parsons, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, the deadline for nominating a business is Aug. 31. This year, the awards night will be held at the C2 Centre in Bonnyville on Oct. 3.
Taking the time to nominate a business, she says, gives a sense of honour and pride for all the work being done in the local community. She added that the chamber supports all businesses in the area, which includes those located in Bonnyville, the MD of Bonnyville, or other businesses that are members of the Chamber.
There are no criteria, and the Chamber accepts as many nominations as possible.
“Owning a business is a challenge, it is never easy as there are always new challenges or new things to learn to help you grow and develop,” Parsons told Lakeland This Week. “These businesses are the backbone of our community and our economy, and they deserve a night dedicated to them. The Bonnyville Chamber is happy to ensure that happens year after year.”
This year, there are seven categories of awards. Categories include Outstanding Small Business, Outstanding Large Business, Outstanding Not for Profit, Emerging Entrepreneur, Extraordinary Leadership, Exemplary Customer Service and Building Community Resilience.
When deciding which businesses will win, Parsons says there is a selected panel of judges that consists of past winners and other community leaders.
She says there is a “strong feeling of community support to just be nominated.”
The Business Resiliency Awards help boost the morale of local businesses by offering them recognition, networking opportunities, marketing exposure, as well as access to resources for growth.
“This recognition boosts the morale of employees and management, fostering a sense of pride and motivation within the awarded businesses,” says Parsons.
Being nominated for or winning an award can serve as a powerful marketing tool. As Parsons explains, businesses can leverage the recognition they receive in their marketing materials, on their websites, and through other channels to enhance their brand visibility and attract new customers.
Participating in the awards allows businesses to benchmark themselves against their peers, learn from best practices, and strive for excellence and innovation in their products, services, and operations, says Parsons.
“They celebrate the contributions of local businesses to the community's economic growth and development, promoting a culture of support and collaboration,” she notes. “Overall, business awards play a vital role in celebrating, promoting, and supporting local businesses, contributing to the prosperity and vitality of the community.”
