Year-round role

Whether you’re an actor up for an Oscar or Emmy, a singer nominated for a Grammy, a writer vying for a Pulitzer Prize, a scientist in line for a Nobel Prize, or even a community newspaper hoping to win a provincial or national award, we all relish having our life’s work recognized by our peers.
That’s why it’s so great to see the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce continues to present its business awards into a third decade.
The 22nd-annual edition took place last Wednesday night at La Place Rendez-Vous and about 150 people were on hand to see whose name would be called for the various awards up for grabs, including business of the year (1-15 and 16+ employees), customer service (individual and business), business woman of the year, top new business, top home-based business, and small business trainer of the year.
New this year was the “Test of Time” Award, which aims to recognize extraordinary leadership, innovation, and creativity that has helped a business to operate successfully here for 25 years or more. As well, the James Paul Award, a special honour rarely given out that recognizes an individual or business for their outstanding contribution and years of dedication to the local business community, was presented this year.
It’s an evening for the winners–and all the nominees–to bask in the spotlight. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the important role a strong business sector plays in making a community vibrant through the goods and services they offer, the jobs they provide, the taxes they pay, and the sponsorships/donations they make to local organizations and groups.
Congratulations to those who took home an award last Wednesday, as well as to everyone who was nominated, and kudos to the Chamber for its work in organizing this gala event year after year.
We may only formally salute local businesses once a year but we certainly should appreciate their contributions year-round.