Recognizing the best!

The Chamber of Commerce has an exciting event coming up which is putting the spotlight of the businesses in our community that are doing good things. Nominations can be made by both members & non-members – just click on the category below for the nominating form. Here’s more from Chamber of Commerce executive director Vernadel Peterson:

Celebrate and Recognize You: The businesses that make our community!

Across the nation numerous Chambers of Commerce celebrate the success of the businesses in their community with an Annual Awards Ceremony.  This year the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce will start this Annual Recognition and Celebration.  It will also serve as a kick off for the coming year.  The First Annual Banquet will be on April 29 at Friday Harbor House in the San Juan Room.

The evening will start at 6 pm with a no-host bar.  Dinner will be served at 7 pm, with the program and awards to follow.  Reservations must be made by April 22, but are limited by space, so make your reservations early!   Tickets are $50 for Chamber members and $65 for non-Chamber Members.  Fill out your “Reservation Form” today!

Your assistance is needed to nominate businesses for the awards that will presented that evening.  There will be two “Business of the Year” awards.  One will be presented to a small business with 4 or less employees and the other to a large business with 5 or more employees.  The criteria for these awards is based on the involvement with the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce and the community and how the business’ presence adds to the economic vitality and quality of life on our island.

There will also be an award presented to a “Nonprofit of the Year.” This award will also be based on involvement with the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, the community and other organizations and how the nonprofits’ presence adds to the economic vitality and quality of life on our island.  It will also be important to for this nonprofit to demonstrate a level of excellence in service and growth.

Did you have a successful Promotional Campaign in 2009?  Enter your business for the “Promotional Campaign Award!” The campaigns may include all forms of media and target visitors, locals, or both. Samples of the campaign will be helpful with details of the success of the campaign.  The deadline for this award and all nominations is April 16.

Cakes by Felicitations will serve hors d’ oeuvres during the social hour, while a no-host bar is provided by Friday Harbor House.  The dinner will be catered by Cynthia’s of Course.  But the twist of the evening will be the Dessert Auction where you can either purchase a dessert to share with your table, or take it home and enjoy later!  A few businesses have already committed to donating some great desserts!  But some of you have that secret recipe that everyone would love to eat!  Maybe you treat your guests to a special cookie when they arrive or the dessert that everyone orders from your menu or maybe you enjoy baking.  If you would be interested in promoting your business, thru the Dessert Auction, contact Vernadel at the Chamber office 360-378-5240.

You can also be a “Banquet Sponsor” and receive some special benefits at the event.  The name of your business will be displayed on your table with the opportunity to add your special decorations.  You will have a listing in the program and be announced at the event as well as be included in the media presentation playing during the evening.

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