Local businesses have endured staff shortages, pandemic mandates, ballooning costs and endless worry. But for one night a year, they can set aside their concerns and celebrate the best of the best, with the Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Nominations have now opened for the annual event, and the Chamber is seeking nominations from the public.
Nominations can be made for any business in the District, whether they are Chamber members or not, and any member of the public can forward a nomination. The deadline to enter your favourite business or entrepreneur is September 9.
The awards night will be held September 29 at La Place Rendezvous. Tickets will be available for sale at the Chamber office starting September 7, at a cost of $65 for non-members, or $455 for a table of eight. Members pay $60, or $420 for a table of eight. The ticket includes a dinner, starting at 6:30 p.m., with cocktails available at 5:30 p.m.
All Businesses in the Rainy River District are eligible for nomination. Forms are available at www.fortfranceschamber.com under the events tab. Forms should be returned to:
Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce
#102-240 First Street East P9A1KS
Phone (807)274-5773
Fax (807)274-8706
This year, the following categories are open to nominations:
Business of the Year
16+ Employees
Presented to the business with 16+ employees who demonstrates a continued passion for excellence, shows growth and profitability and acts as a role model for other businesses.
Sponsored by: New Gold
Business of the Year
1-15 Employees
Presented to the business with 1-15 employees who acts as a role model for other businesses and demonstrates a continued passion for excellence, shows growth and profitability.
Sponsored by: 93.1 The Border
New Business Award
Presented to an entrepreneur who has demonstrated innovation, vision, and business growth. The nominee may have founded a business, purchased an existing one and turned it around, or diversified a business. The nominees must have been established in the Rainy River District for no less than one year and no more than three.
Sponsored by: Rainy River Future Development Corp.
Test of Time Award
Presented to the business who has truly stood the test of time in the Rainy River District. This award will recognize extraordinary leadership, innovation, and creativity that has assisted a business to operate successfully for 25 years or more.
Sponsored by: TD Canada Trust
Home-Based Business
This award honours a home 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 as a primary or secondary source of income. They must have been in business for at least one year and show a potential for future growth.
Sponsored by: M.L. Caron Electric
Customer Service Award (Business)
Presented to a business who has raised customer service to new standards of excellence by consistently providing high-quality customer services and continually exceeding customer expectations.
Sponsored by:
Fort Frances Times
Customer Service Award
(Individual)
Presented to an individual who has raised customer service to new standards of excellence by consistently providing high-quality customer services and continually exceeding customer expectations.
Sponsored by: Good Impressions Printing
Small Business Trainer
of the Year
Presented to a business of 15 employees or less, who consistently hires unskilled or under skilled workers, who mentor and provide work-oriented education and training or apprenticeship opportunities to their employees.
Sponsored by: NCDS
Indigenous Business
of the Year
To an Indigenous business that is at least 51% Indigenous owned and operated. Government agencies and institutions are not allowed. An Indigenous entrepreneur who has demonstrated innovation, vision & business growth. The nominee may have founded the business, purchased an existing business or diversified a business while showing leadership and dedication to the preservation of culture, values and identity.
Sponsored by: Tbaytel
Business Woman of the Year
Presented to a business or professional woman who is committed to the growth and development of themselves, their business, and the community.
Sponsored by: PARO
