Duane Hicks
The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce will recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations for their achievements and contributions to the district economy at the 16th-annual Bell Business Awards.
But if businesses are going to be honoured at the gala, which is slated for Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Adventure Inn here, the Chamber needs nominations.
A new award category has been created this year for home-based businesses.
“My whole idea is I want to try to encourage the home-based businesses to come out and see what the Chamber is all about,” Chamber manager Anthony Mason said of the new category.
“I think that they’re a very important part of the community, and so this is one way that the Chamber can show their appreciation to the individuals [who] take the time to actually go and work towards our economy the way they like to,” he reasoned.
According to the description on the nomination form, the award is meant “to honour a home-operated business that consistently shows excellence and quality.”
“They will have established strong relationships with their customers and conduct their business as a business, not a hobby, and operate the business as a primary or secondary source of income,” it added.
The nominee must have been in business for at least one year and show potential for future growth.
Mason encouraged people to take the opportunity to fill out a nomination form and recognize a deserving individual or business.
“Take a look at the people that have done something special in the past year that should be recognized,” he remarked.
The deadline for nomination forms is Feb. 11 but the sooner Mason gets them, the better.
Nomination forms can be picked up at the Chamber office (474 Scott St.) and at various businesses throughout the district, or via online at www.fortfranceschamber.com
The various award categories include:
•Business of the Year (1-15 employees);
•Business of the Year (16+ employees);
•Employee of the Year;
•Business Woman of the Year;
•Entrepreneur of the Year;
•Tony Beyak Memorial Volunteer of the Year.
•Customer Service (business);
•Customer Service (individual);
•Small Business Trainer of the Year;
•Safety Award (business or individual);
•Home-Based Business; and
•Accessibility Award.
For a full description of each category, see the nomination form.
Nominees do not have to belong to the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce to be eligible to win. In fact, many past winners have been individuals and businesses from across the district.
Meanwhile, tickets for the gala will go on sale by Jan. 30. They cost $45 each, and will be available at the Chamber office.
Cocktails will be at 6 p.m., with dinner at 6:30.
For a second year, the banquet is being held on a Thursday to avoid conflicting with weekend activities, especially hockey tournaments.
