Give a business some recognition

Do you know a Westside business that goes above and beyond expectations? How about a Westside person or group who gives back to the community to benefit others? Nominate them for a Greater Westside Board of Trade Key Business Awards. 'We want to recognize business excellence in the Westside community: said Karen Beaubier, executive director for the Greater Westside Board of Trade. "We all have our favourite restaurant, winery or auto mechanic that needs to be recognized." People can even nominate their own business. Winners don't have to be members of the Board of Trade. Awards will be handed out in 10 categories: Tourism and Hospitality; Community and Public Service; Aboriginal; New Business; Young Entrepreneur; Small Business; Large Business; Platinum Service Provider; Sustainable Green Business and Performing Arts. Beaubier said there is a shortage of nominations partic-ularly for Aboriginal businesses, new businesses and young entrepreneurs. Once the nomination are in, the board of trade will email a package to all the nominees. "It's a really simple process," said Beaubier. "Four or five generic questions they can fill in and explain what's going on in their business and why they're worthy of that particular award." All the nomination packages go to an external judging panel made up of people from outside the Board of Trade. "It's an objective process," said Heather. The judges will determine the finalists in each of the 10 categories, who will be acknowledged at the Finalist Reception Sept. 5 at Volcanic Hills Winery. After the reception, the judges will visit the sites of each of the finalists and then reconvene to choose a winner for each category. The judges will also select the Business of the Year from among the 10 category winners. Winners will be announced Sept. 20 at the Key Business Awards Gala from 5 to 9 pm. at 19 Okanagan Grill + Bar "The awards gala is the Greater Westside's premier event of the year to show appreciation, admiration and respect to our fellow Westside businesses that excel in their serv-ices and products," said Heather. The Geoffrey Paynter Citizen of the Year, as determined by the Greater Westside Board of Trade directors, will also be announced. Alex Draper will be the gala emcee again this year and along with a silent auction, there will be a live auction for tickets to see Ellen DeGeneres in Vancouver. Sponsorship opportunities are always available. You can find nomination forms online at gwboardoftrade.com. Nominations close Aug. 10. Fore more information, call the Board of Trade office at 250-768-3378.