Plans are underway for the 23rd annual Battlefords Business Excellence Awards later this fall.
The BBEX awards recognize excellence in the Battlefords business community. There are going to be very few changes from last year’s event.
Nominations are now open in the categories of New Business Venture, Customer Service, Marketing, Micro Business, Heritage, Community Contribution, Battlefords’ Best Employer and Business of the Year.
The awards program will continue with the new process for naming Business of the Year, the marquee category of the BBEX Awards program. As was introduced last year, one business from the entire finalist list in the six open categories will be selected for that award and announced at the event.
“We are very excited about having moved our program in this new direction, which saw more anticipation building through the evening as each category is being announced and there is recognition of the number of great businesses in the community who could potentially be named as the final award winner,” said Betty Speed, co-chair of the BBEX Awards committee, in a statement.
For the second time, a “Battlefords’ Best Employer” category is being included to recognize a business who excels in how employees are engaged in strategic goals and company values, and how human and supporting resources have been optimized to achieve and sustain commercial and competitive success.
The application kit will require current employee testimonials.
“In this day and age of importance on employee development, retention and work/life balance, the committee agreed that it is important to recognize a business who is creating a workplace of choice,” said Speed.
Nomination kits are on-line at http://www.battlefordschamber.com/connection/bbex.html and can also be picked up at the offices of the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce at the Junctions of Highways 16 and 40 East, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 22.
Finalists are expected to be announced by Labour Day weekend, along with the Heritage Award recipient for this year.
Winners in seven categories will be announced Tuesday, Oct. 4 at the gala event and award ceremony. Tickets go on sale for the gala event Sept. 1.
