The Richmond Chamber of Commerce will be shining a spotlight on the perseverance of local businesses over the past year at its upcoming Business Excellence Awards.
Nominations for the awards will be accepted until Aug. 30, if people have a business in mind that they believe “really exemplifies perseverance,” said Dan Baxter, the chamber’s president and CEO.
“Last year, (the focus) was around resiliency… this year, we’re going to look to celebrate perseverance,” he said.
“It truly is an opportunity for any business, local employer in every sector, to hopefully be honoured and celebrated for all that they do to make our community here in Richmond, stronger.”
The awards, now in their 44th year, will be held in-person on November 25 at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel — with appropriate COVID-19 measures in place and barring any changes to B.C.’s pandemic rules.
Last year’s awards were held virtually due to COVID-19.
“We’re looking to the community to really help define what perseverance is, because it kind of looks different to everybody,” said Baxter.
“If the business was able to keep their doors open, still deliver great service, (such as) a restaurant that came up with a unique way to deliver food or get food out to people, or a tourism business that found a way to offer a different experience.”
This will be Baxter’s first Business Excellence Awards since he took on his current role at the chamber earlier this year. Previously, he worked with the BC Chamber of Commerce.
“I’m excited to get this opportunity now to be here in Richmond and to really look across…all the different businesses out there, with all the diversity that we have, and really trying to create an award ceremony that reflects that diversity, and just a great thriving business community that is worthy of celebration.”
As with past years, this year’s business awards will be handed out in 10 categories: small business, mid-size and large business of the year, business leadership, innovative enterprise, green business, young entrepreneur, new business, outstanding workplace and association of the year.
Nominated businesses must have a Richmond business license, or, if they are a non-profit, an office in Richmond, said Baxter.
Nominations can be made online until 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 30.
