Business awards committee receives record number of nominees

In just a few short days, businesses from around the region will gather in Grand Falls-Windsor for the annual business awards banquet, where seven winners will be announced.

This year marks a record year for the awards, with almost 50 nominations submitted. Thirty-five per cent of the nominations come from outside of Grand Falls-Windsor, with the ceremony taking a regional approach for the first time.

The Grand Falls-Windsor's Business Awards, organized by the town, the Exploits Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Business Development Bank of Canada, will take place Thursday, Jan. 24 at the Royal Canadian Legion. Judging is already underway, with the committee directed to select three finalists and a winner for each of the seven categories.

The categories include small business, helping hands, ambassador, customer service, business woman of the year, business of the year, and personal excellence.

"Most of the nominees came from the municipalities themselves," said Gary Hennessey, economic development officer for Grand Falls-Windsor. "For the first time for this type of event, they've really embraced it and really wanted to participate and we are pleased they did."

Mr. Hennessey pointed out that Botwood in particular has been proactive in nomination businesses from that community for the prestigious awards, with that town submitting the most nominations outside of Grand Falls-Windsor.

With the involvement of the Chamber of Commerce in the awards, Mr. Hennessey said it only made sense to make them regional, given that group's scope.

The organizing committee will also be inducting several individuals and/or businesses into the Business Hall of Fame at this ceremony.

"The Hall of Fame has gone regional also," explained Mr. Hennessey. "We will have three or four current inductees and members of the chamber will meet to pick up to five new inductees.

Those people will join 46 current Hall of Famers, which include well-known Grand Falls-Windsor businesses and individuals like Leo Ryan, the Blackmore family, Cabot bakery, Thruway Recreation Ltd. and the Advertiser, who is also one of the sponsors of the Hall of Fame Induction.

The guest speaker this year is Ed Martin, president and CEO of NL Hydro and a Grand Falls-Windsor native.

Anyone wishing to purchase a ticket to the banquet may call the Exploits Regional Chamber of Commerce office at 489-7512. Tickets are $20 each and are limited. The deadline to purchase these tickets is Friday, Jan. 18. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with dinner being served at 7 p.m.