It's time once again to nominate the community's best and favourite businesses for the 17th annual South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) Business Excellence Awards.
This is the once-a-year chance to nominate all those businesses and a non-profit organization that go the extra mile to excel.
"We've re-branded it somewhat this year in that it used to be called the Academy Awards of Business, partly because we're holding it in the spring as a fresh approach and it no longer coincides with the (film industry awards]," says chamber manager Christine Jordaan.
Folks can pick up an entry form at various sponsoring businesses around town or clip one out of the Free Press and pick a top choice in as many categories as possible.
While the chamber will determine the winners in most categories, the public nominates and votes for two awards, the Customer Service Award and the People's Choice Award - Best Business.
It is not necessary or even encouraged to confine choices to SCCC members, Jordaan says, adding they welcome those situated outside of 100 Mile House limits or even home-based businesses.
"The public is encouraged to nominate, and to cast the net and nominate far and wide for any business in the South Cariboo, and in every category."
Then drop off the nomination form by the deadline of 4 p.m. on March 4 at the SCCC office at 230B Fourth St. and watch for the awards to be presented at the annual Business Excellence Awards & Banquet gala event.
This year, she says, the awards ceremony and banquet will be held at The Hill's Health Ranch ballroom on April 9, where the community's Citizen of the Year award will also be presented.
Noting tickets will be on sale soon for both the membership and the general public, Jordaan adds it is the biggest event of the year for the SCCC and is always a really great time for everyone involved.
It's really interesting to see which businesses and people get nominated, she explains.
"In my mind, even the nominations are an act of recognition right there. To win in a category is an additional bonus, but sometimes we don't take the time to really acknowledge the people that make a difference."