It’s not often the Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce and the Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce get to work together, but when it comes to appreciating businesses in their communities, they’re all-in.
“It’s great to put on this one event in collaboration. The Chamber of Commerce exists because of small businesses in our area, that’s why we exist. We want to be able to recognize that and give back to our small business community,” expressed Serina Parsons, executive director for the Bonnyville chamber.
The local chambers are now accepting nominations for the annual Business of the Year Awards.
Executive Director for the Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, Sherri Bohme, said by nominating a business, you’re letting them know they’re offering services that don’t go unnoticed.
“It’s a nice of recognition and it’s a chance to give back to those businesses who give to our communities,” she expressed.
Parsons agreed, “We really want to celebrate the businesses that provide not only exceptional service, but give back to the community as well.”
This year, there are four categories businesses can be nominated for: excellence in customer service, active community investment, innovation, and leadership.
Bohme believes it’s important to take a moment and appreciate local businesses for all they do in the community.
She and Parsons encourage people to fill out an application form on either of their websites before the Aug. 14 deadline.
“Our businesses work hard to provide great services to the consumers and patrons. It’s nice for them to be recognized and acknowledged that they’re doing a good job,” Bohme said. “A lot of businesses in our communities are small, they don’t belong to larger corporations or franchise. They don’t have the opportunity to be recognized through other means, so it’s nice for them to be recognized from the people they do business with.”
Once all of the nominations are in, all that is left is for winners to be selected and celebrated during the Business of the Year Awards on Oct. 12.
The event will be held at the Bonnyville Centennial Centre this year.
Parsons explained how it’s important to remember it’s not only the oilfield that keeps the Lakeland thriving.
“Yes, we’re an oilfield community and we have oilfield businesses that come in, but it’s really those small businesses that feel every impact, make the biggest difference, and really give back to our economy just by being here,” she expressed. “They bring something different to our area. We’re a small area, and we’ve got businesses that are innovative, new, and creative. We want to recognize that.”
For more information, or to nominate a businesses, visit the Bonnyville or Cold Lake chamber’s website.
