There are plenty of businesses in our community that offer amazing service, but too often go unnoticed. That’s why the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce (CVCC) Business Excellence Awards is a chance for you to help recognize some of the top businesses in the valley.

“It’s really important that we acknowledge amongst ourselves community excellence and the services we provide,” CVCC Executive Director Susan Smith said.

“It’s also a way for other businesses to know what’s available in the community. I think we often get buried in our own business and we don’t always look outward, especially at this time of year when we’re ramping up for summer.”

Businesses may be nominated in a wide range of categories, including tourism and hospitality, food and beverage, retailer of the year, employee of the year and many more. Nominated businesses must be a member of the CVCC or the Radium Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce.

The deadline for nominations is March 31, and nominations may be made either in ballot boxes in Radium, Invermere and Fairmont, or preferably online, at cvchamber.ca.

“We really need to start looking at how great we are, and what a great community we live in and what great services we offer, not only to locals but also to visitors,” Smith said. “We have something pretty amazing here.”

Awards will be presented at a special dinner and reception at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort on April 17, featuring entertainment from a celebrity impersonator.

Tickets for the event are $55 and are available by calling the CVCC at 250-342-2844.

“I think it’s really important to recognize each other for success, and this is an opportunity for us to come together as a business community as we get ready for the next big season,” Smith said.

“There are some outstanding organizations in our community and they deserve to be recognized.”