Photo: Contributed
The Penticton Chamber of Commerce and Total Restoration Services have launched the 2021 Business Excellence Awards.
Members of the board announced the 34th annual BEA and the opening of nominations on Wednesday to members of the media, along with plans for the big—hopefully in-person—event on Oct. 2.
“This type of event recognizes all the business leaders and businesses who are very passionate about what they do. And we at the chamber, we want to celebrate that for them and with them,” chamber president Jonathan McGraw president said.
“It’s been a tough 15, 16 months now, and some of the businesses, they’ve done well, and some have struggled. And some are just looking to put COVID behind them and move forward. So when this event takes place, hopefully we’ll have all the many of the restrictions lifted, and we’ll be able to be face to face and enjoy that time and celebrate.”
Tracy Van Raes, the marketing and community relations manager for Total Restoration Services, announced the theme for the event as “Starry Nights.”
“Last year, we were able to celebrate our excellence awards in a hybrid format, in which we were able to successfully host 120 people in person, as well as the virtual component. We supported local restaurants. It was nice to be able to get together and be there for each other,” chamber events co-ordinator Terry Phillips said.
“And with moving forward to 2021 and planning this year’s awards celebration, we have two programs planned because we are following very closely with the provincial health orders and the B.C. restart plan.”
Plans for this year’s BEA awards will be to build two event plans and then move forward with the one that best aligns with health orders and gathering rules.
“So our first celebration will be very similar to last year’s event, a hybrid celebration supporting local restaurants, where people can gather in person in intimate social bubbles, as well as we will be streaming live for that component,” Phillips explained.
“Our second option is where we will be at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. So prior to COVID, our Business Excellence Awards had anywhere from 450-plus guests. We know that isn’t going to happen this year under one roof. We just need to keep things tight and clean. But our plan is to be at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre and have two parties under one roof divided by the wall.”
The night will include a mix and mingle portion before the sit down event, with people seated within their grouping.
“This is an exceptional year to recognize businesses, their contributions, their perseverance, their blood, sweat, and tears and no better time to do it than at the BEAs,” chamber executive director Diane Kereluk, executive director for the chamber.
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