Staff
Know of a district business or employee deserving of recognition? Why not nominate them for a business award?
Nomination forms are now available for the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce’s 18th-annual Rainy River District Business Awards, with the deadline being Friday, Feb. 14 at 5 p.m.
Forms are available at the Chamber office (located above the Northern Lights Credit Union) or online at www.fortfranceschamber.com/events/business-awards
“It’s an opportune time to recognize businesses and appreciate businesses in Fort Frances and Rainy River District,” noted Chamber president Mark Caron.
“All businesses owners know you work hard and try to do the best you can,” he added.
“Being recognized by the public or by other businesses, and being nominated, gives you that feeling, that validation, that you’re doing a good job.
“I know when I’ve been nominated, it’s that feeling that, ‘Yes, someone is noticing we are doing a good job,’” said Caron, adding recognizing local businesses also ties into the spirit of “Go Local.”
The award categories include:
•Business of the Year;
•Employee of the Year;
•Business Woman of the Year;
•Entrepreneur of the Year;
•Home-based Business;
•Customer Service Award (Business);
•Customer Service Award (Individual);
•Small Business Trainer of the Year; and
•Tony Beyak Memorial Volunteer of the Year.
All businesses in Rainy River District are eligible.
This year’s gala will take place Thursday, March 6 at La Place Rendez-Vous.
The event will be co-emceed by comedian Ryan McMahon, who also will be the evening’s entertainment, and Chamber treasurer Myles Kuharski of Gillons’ Insurance.
Local duo “Entirely Mac” will provide some pre-dinner musical entertainment.
“The event is always a great success,” enthused Caron. “We have good entertainment lined up this year.
“It’s always well-received by the business community,” he added, also noting it’s a good reason to get out, dress up, and socialize.
Tickets will go on sale in the upcoming weeks.
In related news, the Chamber is hosting an “Evening of Wine and Chocolate” next Thursday (Feb. 6) from 7-9 p.m. at the Super 8 Motel.
Tickets, available at the Chamber office, cost $10 for members and $12 for non-members.
Samantha Manty, business and events development assistant intern for the Chamber, stressed the event is open to absolutely everyone, not just Chamber members.
“It’s a great opportunity to get out and mix-and-mingle with individuals in the community,” she remarked.
“It’s an evening with wine and chocolate, prizes, and music,” she noted.
“It’s a chance to get out and have some fun for a reasonable price.”
There will be live music provided by “Entirely Mac,” treats provided by Doubly Delicious, Fifth Street Confections, and Shelly Wepruk, and, of course, wine and a cash bar.
As well, every attendee will have the chance to win a “romantic prize package” valued at $200 (courtesy of the Super 8, Fort Floral, and Curvy Chick).
