After a hugely successful inaugural event last year, the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce will again host the Business Excellence Awards on Oct. 23.

The black-tie optional event presented by Pete’s Place will take place at the Best Western and will honour the nominees and award recipients through acknowledgement of their significant achievements over the past year.

“These are the trailblazers of our business community,” states Michelle Favero, chamber manager. “They deserve dedicated acknowledgment for their innovations and contributions to the local, regional, national, and even international business community.”

The award recipients will represent the top local executives, business leaders, thinkers, and strategists and encourage the sense that Mission supports, engages, and produces world class talent, innovative products, and dynamic companies. Based on feedback received from last year’s awards, the Chamber has modified the award categories to better reflect Mission business. Nominees will be recognized in the following categories:

• Business of the Year (15+ employees)

This award is given to the organization that best exhibits excellence in business. The business will have strong financial returns, continued growth and innovative strategies, as well as market leadership in its sector. Criteria will include strategy, future growth plans, employee relations and local community involvement and contributions.

• Business of the Year (1-15 employees)

This award is given to the organization that best exhibits excellence in small business. The business will have contributed to the growth of the community through its products, services, and customer service. Nominations will be judged on the total benefit brought to the community through this business.

• Business Leader of the Year

Awarded to the individual business person who has been a leader in moving the District of Mission forward and has been responsible for improvements to the community.

• Customer Experience Award

Awarded to the business exemplifying the best customer service, customer retention, and customer relationship management.

• Eco Star Award

Awarded to the business that displays environmental responsibility and encourages sustainable use of renewable resources.

• Non-Profit Association of the Year

Awarded to the organization making a significant difference in our local community in terms of fundraising and the number of local people affected. Criteria include collaboration with other community organizations and strategies to implement creative solutions to community challenges. Annual reports will be requested.

• Entrepreneurial Excellence Award

Awarded to the business that shows achievement in new or innovative products or service, manufacturing technique, job creation, or growth potential.

• Young Entrepreneur Award

Awarded to a recipient under the age of 35 whose business is judged to be the best in regards to success and growth potential, innovation, participation in new economic activities and community involvement.

Nominating a business is easy – simply indicate the business and the relevant award on the nomination form and provide a short synopsis of why you consider them worthy of the award. Nomination forms are available by phoning 604-826-6914 or visiting www.missionchamber.bc.ca. An impartial judging committee will review the submissions and determine the winners for each category by evaluating each nominee on pre-determined criteria for each category.

Tickets for the gala will be $75 each, or tables of eight for $500.