Chamber seeking nominees for business excellence

The Leamington District Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the 17th Annual Business Excellence Awards set for Oct. 19 at the Portuguese Club.

Chamber general manager Sally McDonald said she is excited about the event and is still accepting nominations for deserving businesses.

McDonald said she is ecstatic that United Communities Credit Union has agreed to sponsor the event, and that two others have stepped in to sponsor two new awards.

"Businesses have been coming forward to sponsor the various awards," said McDonald, "and we have eight sponsors and categories of awards." There is also an award for volunteer service to the community.

She said guests should also look forward to a new less expensive format.

"In looking at the event," said McDonald, "we felt the evening was very pricey for our members and the public to attend — so we've changed the format from a full sitdown meal to an extensive appetizer and hors d'oeuvres bar."

She said the $50 ticket also includes a glass of wine.

"I doubt anyone will go away hungry," she added, "and I don't think the meal was the reason for attending."

This year's awards include:

Excellence in Food Service — sponsored by Cavendish Farms

Customer First — sponsored by CIBC

Home Grown Award — sponsored by the H.J. Heinz Company

Warm Welcome Award — sponsored by Point Pelee National Park

Industrial/Manufacturing Award — sponsored by the Windsor Essex Economic Development Corporation

Small Business Excellence Award — sponsored by the Windsor Family Credit Union

Innovation Award — sponsored by the Municipality of Leamington

Invest in a World Class Workforce Award — sponsored by Workforce Windsor Essex

Alf Bennie Volunteer Award — sponsored by the Bennie family

Nomination forms are available by calling the chamber office at 326-2721 or emailingwendyp@leamingtonchamber.com.

Tickets will go on sale in mid-September.