Nominations are now open for the Kenora Chamber of Commerce’s business awards.
Alex Evans is the chamber manager and says they have 12 categories this year, including two new ones.
“This year we introduced a skills trades award to recognize that industry,” says Evans.
“We’ve also added a Community Spirit Award, to try and recognize businesses in town that go above and beyond in terms of volunteerism, charity, donations, just really endorsing the brand of Kenora and the community as a whole.”
Nominations will be open until January 3rd and the business awards will be handed out on February 20th.
The award nomination form can be found here
The award categories are:
YOUTH ENTREPRENEUR
This award recognizes outstanding youth entrepreneurs (30 years of age and under).
ENTREPRENEUR / BUSINESS OWNER / MANAGER OF THE YEAR
An award will be presented to an outstanding business owner or manager, who in the last 12 months has developed their business to meet changing community and consumer demands. They will have provided a high level of business service, respectful treatment of employees as well as customers or clients and is actively involved in the community.
INCLUSIVE EMPLOYER EXCELLENCE
This award recognizes an inclusive employer who takes action to remove barriers and improve the working experience and engagement of employees with disabilities. They recognize the strengths and talents of individuals and enable employees with disabilities to reach their full potential. They value and respect the contribution of all employees, challenge disability inequality and foster an inclusive working environment.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
This award recognizes a local business that has demonstrated exceptional community spirit. Through events, volunteerism, community pride, support, and generosity they have shown their love for this community and helped make Kenora a better place.
SKILLED TRADE
Business Excellence Award for Skilled Trade Businesses celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of businesses in the skilled trades sector. This esteemed accolade recognizes enterprises that have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and leadership in fields such as construction, electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, and more.
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
This award honours a business who has recently taken steps to improve their company’s image in some way.
INNOVATIVE SMALL BUSINESS
This award recognizes a business who has introduced a groundbreaking, original or environmental product or service that sets the company apart from others or has demonstrated advanced or new use of technology or environmental responsibility.
NEW BUSINESS (2022-Present) This award is presented to a company or individual who has been in business for less than two (2) years and demonstrates creativity in the spirit of business development.
TOURISM / HOSPITALITY
The recipient of this award would demonstrate their customer service, innovation and positive participation in our community encompassing quality business relations, economic development and business growth.
CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE – STAFF UP TO 10
CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE – STAFF OVER 10
These two awards will each recognize a local business, its management and staff, for successfully demonstrating quality customer service. They will each be an organization that is appreciated for its helpful and efficient service, dedicated to customer satisfaction and willing to go the extra mile.
INDIGENOUS BUSINESS
This award recognizes an outstanding Indigenous business for their success, exemplifying business leadership and the delivery of high-quality products and services. The recipient must also demonstrate a strong, long-term commitment to the community, particularly in supporting Indigenous employment.
