By Yolanda Ridge, Rossland News
Have you received great service at one of our fabulous local shops?
Been wowed by the business practices or professional services provided by one of Rossland’s own?
Know a fantastic young entrepreneur or business person? It is time to get your nomination in for the Rossland Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
The deadline for submissions is Oct. 15 at 4 p.m. Any business is eligible—whether they are chamber members or not. The process is simple: complete a short fill-in-the blank form and provide a reason for the nomination.
“It can be a story about the service someone has received… anything really,” said chamber executive director, Renee Clark. “Most of our submissions have been less than 500 words.”
The awards are absolutely necessary, explained Clark, because they help the Chamber of Commerce encourage business excellence. Finalists are selected by a nomination committee and voting is done online by Rossland Chamber members. Winners are announced at the annual general meeting and receive a trophy of recognition.
“It is one of the coolest looking trophies I have ever been given,” said Stephanie Robinson, owner of The Red Pair Shoe Store which took home the 2012 award for Customer Service Excellence. “Being recognized by your peers for something you love to do is incredible.”
But has receiving the award changed anything?
“No, I do not believe we do anything different,” said Robinson. “We still love to have customers come, try on shoes, laugh, tell stories, have fun, and hopefully find something that they love.”
The Red Pair has increased selection, however, and brought in some colourful scarves and handbags for the winter.
In contrast, things have changed a lot at Tails Pet Supplies and Services; including a move to a bigger location. But owner Amanda Hamilton, who was awarded Business Person of the year in 2012, provides no comment on whether the award contributed in any way to the expansion of her store.
“The award was a great surprise and great honour,” said Hamilton. “I did not know I had been nominated.”
So here’s your chance—surprise a business savvy local by honouring them with a nomination for the 2013 award.
Whether it makes a difference to the bottom line or not, the Chamber of Commerce Business Awards gives Rosslanders the opportunity to recognize excellence and professionalism while at the same time encouraging other businesses to follow suit.
For more information on the awards, visit the Chamber of Commerce website; http://rossland.com/news/2013-sep-13/2013_rossland_business_awards. Submissions can be emailed to commerce@rossland.com.