County residents have just a few days left to get their nominations in for the 2023 Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce community and business achievement awards.
The event is being held Oct. 20 at Eagle View Wedding and Event Centre, at Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride, and will bring a collection of the Highlands’ finest entrepreneurial minds together to celebrate the biggest success stories of the year in business.
There will be 12 premiere awards dished out this year, recognizing: business achievement; top entrepreneur; best businesswoman; not-for-profit; industry and trades; tourism and hospitality; innovation and creativity; customer service – employee; customer service – business; best new business; and Highlander of the Year.
Chamber spokesperson Kirstley Dams said she has received 52 nominations to date. The submission deadline is Sept. 30.
“The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce takes great pride in delivering this annual event. Although glory is not the reason that the nominees get into small business ownership, it certainly feels nice when we can recognize and appreciate all the hard workers in our County,” Dams said. “We encourage everyone to nominate a business or community member they feel goes above and beyond.”
Asked what people should consider when making a nomination, Dams added, “don’t complicate it. We all know someone, or some place, that seems to always offer the best service, or always lead their industry. Find a category of the 12 available and give them a nomination.”
She said she was particularly looking for nominations in the tourism and hospitality, young professional, industry and trades, and innovation and creativity categories.
“When submitting your nominations try to be as detailed as possible – our judges are completely unbiased, which means they are relying solely on the information you provide to make their decision,” Dams said.
Liz Danielsen will also be presenting her ‘Warden’s Award’, which has historically been awarded to those deemed to be exemplary citizens/organizations who go above and beyond for our County, Dams said. Local non-profit Point in Time was named the winner of last year’s award.
Dams said she’s looking forward to a great evening. Tickets went on sale Sept. 18.
“This achievement gala is the only Haliburton business awards [we have] and one of the few occasions where our business community can get a little fancy and gather to network and share their stories. We’re really excited,” Dams said.
The event will kick off with a 4 p.m. cocktail hour and complimentary chairlift rides. Dinner and awards ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. For more information, to make a nomination, or book a ticket, visit haliburtonchamber.com/gala.
