If you feel a local Tri-City business should receive recognition for the work it's put into the community this past year, there's good news.
The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce (TCCC) has extended its deadline to Friday (Oct. 15) for the public to submit nominations for the 2021 business excellence awards.
The event is set to honour large, medium and small businesses in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody who've gone above and beyond — all while during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Interested residents and entrepreneurs are encouraged to submit nominations by 11:59 p.m. on Friday.
"We are very pleased with the strong interest in the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards again this year, and we have extended the nomination to ensure that everyone who wants to participate has a chance to do so," said TCCC CEO Leslie Courchesne to the Tri-City News.
The TCCC says submissions should be as thorough as possible in order for judges to better determine the finalists.
Nominations can be made by peers or self, and businesses who are not TCCC members can also participate.
A formal awards banquet is being tentatively set for Jan. 29, 2022.
The award categories, along with nomination criteria and last year's winners, are listed as follows:
Business of the Year
- 2020 Winner(s)
- Butter Studios (one to 10 employees)
- Ballistic Arts Media Studios (11 to 30 employees)
- Rocky Point Ice Cream (30 or more employees)
- Criteria:
- Demonstrates an exceptional level of leadership and is regarded as a leader in its industry
- Demonstrates excellence in performance as evidenced by longevity, retention, financial growth, and reputation (please provide documentation if at all possible)
- Innovative based on the unique product and/or service it provides to the Tri-Cities, including exceptional customer service and satisfaction, and community services
- Demonstrates a positive social conscience by utilizing its resources to improve its community through events and initiatives, support of local not-for-profits, and reducing its environmental impact
- Has an overall positive impact on the Tri-Cities and makes the community a better place to live and work
Business Leader of the Year
- 2020 Winner(s)
- Angela Calla - The Angela Calla Mortgage Team
- Criteria:
- Has a proven track record of sustained success in his or her field
- Has had a significant impact on his or her business as evidenced by growth, innovation, and an established reputation as a business leader
- Demonstrates leadership by way of giving back through participation with local business initiatives and not-for-profit organizations
- Has a reputation of business excellence and expertise in his or her field
- Has an innovative spirit and has demonstrated an exceptional level of performance and dedication to leadership
Business Resiliency Award
- 2020 Winner(s)
- Legend Haul Supply Co.
- Novo Textiles
- Criteria:
- Responded to the pandemic with an exceptional level of leadership
- Reacted positively to business interruptions during the pandemic
- Found innovative ways to sustain and grow their business during the pandemic and beyond
- The business supported its staff throughout the shutdown and pandemic
- Demonstrates a positive social conscience by utilizing its resources to improve its community
Community Spirit Award
- 2020 Winner(s)
- Malik Malikzada - Jamila's Kitchen and Grill
- Criteria:
- Uses their resources to provide outstanding support to local initiatives and not-for-profit organizations
- Embodies leadership in community initiatives and has had a significant positive impact on the Tri-Cities community
- Demonstrates a passion for the community, making a positive difference and giving back
- Demonstrates an outstanding generous spirit and dedication to making the Tri-Cities a better place to live and work
Not-for-Profit of the Year
- 2020 Winner(s)
- Immigrant Link Centre Society
- Criteria:
- Has an established reputation within the community for providing exceptional programs and services
- Provides innovative programs and services that would not otherwise be available to those in the community
- Has a strong local impact
- Has exceptional reach within the Tri-Cities community
Young Professional of the Year
- 2020 Winner(s)
- Jessica Morrison - Squish Juicery
- Criteria:
- Embodies leadership and support in community initiatives and has had a significant positive impact on the Tri-Cities community and local businesses
- Has a proven track record of sustained success, leadership, and growth in his or her field
- Has had a significant impact on his or her business as evidenced by growth, innovation, and an established reputation as a business leader
- Has a reputation of business excellence and expertise in his or her field
- Showcases dedication to his or her company and bettering both the community and him or herself
Environmental Steward of the Year
- 2020 Winner(s)
- Fulfill Shoppe
- Criteria:
- Demonstrates an in-depth understanding and an outstanding, cooperative effort to environmental sustainability
- Is a role model for businesses in environmental sustainability best practices (recycling, composting, energy/water conservation, gardening, etc.)
- Demonstrates sustainable business practices in its own operations (aside from the product or service for sale)
- Helps to build environmental awareness and promote environmental stewardship within the Tri-Cities environmental landscape
- Has milestones and/or measurable accomplishments that demonstrate effective sustainable operations
For more information, you can visit the TCCC's website.
