CW Chamber puts out call for nominations for Awards of Excellence

CENTRE WELLINGTON – The Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce has put out a call for nominations for the 2021 Awards of Excellence.

What the celebration will look like is still being ironed out, said Sally Litchfield, general manager. But of all the years the award has been handed out, this one – which recognizes accomplishments in 2020 – will be really special, she said.

“Every business was impacted by the year that was 2020,” Litchfield said.  “Those businesses that kept going and accomplished so much, should be recognized.”

Because it was such a tough year, the chamber is not handing out a beautification award this year.

“We didn’t feel it was a great fit this year. Not many businesses could invest in beautification,” she said.

Instead, they’ve added a new category – employer of the year. This is for an employer who went “above and beyond” for their employees, Litchfield said.

Other categories include:

-Agricultural/Agri Business Award;

-Business of the Year;

-Citizen of the Year;

-Community Social Responsibility;

-Corporate Citizen of the Year;

-Cultural, Arts, Tourism Impact Award;

-Customer Service Excellence Award;

-Environmental Excellence Award;

-Not-for-Profit or Charity Award;

-Tradesperson Award;

-Young Entrepreneur of the Year;

-Youth Citizen of the Year (formerly the Alvin Shortt Award);

-President’s Award; and

-25 and 40 Years Long Service Awards.

Litchfield said the chamber had to pivot the awards ceremony last year to an outdoor drive-in format because of the pandemic.

This year they are considering a week-long celebration, where all nominees in each category have their own day to celebrate.

“I can’t tell you all the details just yet, but we want to make it really awesome,” Litchfield said.

For that to happen, there has to be nominations and Litchfield said the chamber has streamlined the process to make it easier.

Details can be found at cwchamber.ca. Nominations close March 7.

Anyone with questions or  who runs into problems with the nomination forms should email events@cwchamber.ca or call 519-843-5140.