Have you been particularly impressed by a volunteer or a business in your community this year?
The South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce is looking for nominations for its 23rd annual Business Excellence and Citizen of the Year Awards, in advance of its awards ceremony on March 4th.
These awards are a great way to recognize outstanding contributions to our communities, and to thank those who go above and beyond to make a difference.
It's no exaggeration to say that small businesses make up the heart of our economy. They make up 98 per cent of all businesses in BC and employ over one million people. So when we see small businesses in our communities succeed, we're not just seeing the success of individual businesses and their owners. We're seeing the foundations of community success and the building blocks of our broader provincial economy.
However, it is especially apparent in smaller communities like ours that the contributions of our businesses cannot simply be measured in economic terms. So many of our businesses make an extra effort to give back, donating time, products and resources to community events and sports teams.
Of course, it's not just our businesses who commit themselves to building our communities. Our volunteers have shown time and again just how dedicated they are to making the South Cariboo a great place to live.
Recognizing the success and far-reaching importance of our businesses – and the community-building contributions of our residents – is what the Business Excellence and Citizen of the Year Awards are all about.
If you would like to show your support for a business or a volunteer, nominations are open until Feb. 21 and can be submitted online or at the Chamber office; forms are available at www.southcariboochamber.org. Tickets for the awards ceremony on March 4th at the 100 Mile House Community Hall are available at Donex Pharmacy and the Chamber office.
I hope to see many outstanding businesses and individuals nominated this year, and I look forward to congratulating the finalists and award recipients.