Nominations for annual Business Awards open Sept. 2

PONOKA -- Nominations for the Ponoka Chamber of Commerce's Business Excellence Awards open Sept. 2. 

The annual awards are handed out each October in recognition of local business excellence and individual leadership. Some of these accolades honour both small and large-sized businesses of the year, top local startup, community organization of the year, and more. In a video shared this week, Chamber President Bruce Clarke talked about the focus of this year's nominations. 

"These awards are about leadership, innovation, customer service, growth, and making a positive impact in our community," said Clarke. "We're going to be taking a refreshed approach this year and try to elevate these awards, so they're truly a recognition of excellence and leadership in our community. Our goal is simple -- recognize the businesses and individuals that make an impact in our community."

One of the changes for this year's Business Excellence Awards will relate to judging. Clarke notes that they've selected an independent third-party group to help them select the finalists for each category. He encourages members of the public to consider the achievements of people and businesses in the community when taking part in the nomination period.

Any community member, customer, or business can submit a nomination online through the Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce website once the nomination period begins on Sept. 2.