By Stephen Vance, Staff
Since 1998 Meaford’s Chamber of Commerce has hosted a special event to celebrate the successes of Meaford’s community members and local businesses. Over the past 17 years it has also become one of Meaford’s premier social events of the year.
The Chamber is once again this year hoping that Meaford residents will take a few moments to think about the businesses and local volunteers who have made a difference in the community over the last year, and recognize them by submitting a nomination.
The awards will be presented on Saturday March 28 at the awards dinner held at the Meaford & St. Vincent Community Centre.
For those curious about the process for determining award winners each year, the Chamber has provided answers to some common questions:
What are the Community Awards? The Community Awards Presentation and Dinner is an opportunity for locals to enjoy a meal together and recognize the accomplishments of local businesses owners, community groups, and volunteers. The event will be held on Saturday March 28th, 2015 at Meaford & St. Vincent Community Centre. It is hosted by the Meaford Chamber of Commerce, with the support of local businesses and the general community. Staff and volunteers dedicate numerous hours to the event. Businesses help support the event by sponsoring awards and donating items to our silent auction.
Who can be nominated? Any business, club, association or individual within the Municipality of Meaford can be nominated. They DO NOT have to be a member of the Meaford Chamber of Commerce. Awards are given for the previous year. Businesses should be nominated for the work they completed in 2014. A business or individual may be nominated for more than one award.
What are the award categories?Seven different awards are given to businesses or individuals who operate or reside within the Municipality of Meaford. The Most Improved Business Award is presented to an existing business that has significantly expanded its operation, or an improvement of the premises making the community more attractive. The Tourism Award is presented for commitment to local tourism through a welcoming attitude, awareness and promotion of local attractions by a business. The Customer Service Award is presented for consistent commitment to customer service by a business. The Agribusiness Award is presented for investment in sustainable agriculture and success in developing innovative products, processes and marketing channels. The Special Merit Award is presented for exceptional effort within our community by a volunteer organization or service club. The Peter Francis Memorial Award is presented for consistent, exemplary leadership and contribution to community development by a volunteer. The Business Owner of the Year Award is presented for an outstanding contribution to the Municipality of Meaford by a business owner.
Who completes nomination forms? Nomination forms can be completed by any resident, visitor, or cottager of the area. Nomination forms are available at the Meaford Chamber Office, Meaford Hall Arts & Cultural Centre, and Municipal Office, or online at meafordchamber.ca. Completing an application form is easy. Indicate which business you are nominating, place a check mark beside the award you are nominating them for, then tell us briefly why they deserve to win the award (You can even use point-form notes). Then submit the nomination at the Meaford Chamber Office or scan a copy of your nomination form and send it to info@meafordchamber.ca.
Why Nominate? Nominations are an essential component of the Community Awards. It is your opportunity as local shoppers to recognize the businesses and volunteers that you feel go above and beyond to make the Municipality of Meaford an enjoyable place to live and visit. As a community we can celebrate the local accomplishments of businesses, community groups, and volunteers, we all know and appreciate.
What is the deadline to nominate? The deadline to submit nominations is February 25th, 2015. Nominations can be dropped off during open office hours (9am to 1pm), or submitted via email to info@meafordchamber.ca. Nominations will also be accepted at the Annual General Meeting on February 25th, 2015 at the Meaford Golf & Country Club starting at 7pm.
When are the winners announced? The awards are presented on March 28th at the Meaford & St. Vincent Community Centre during the Awards Dinner & Presentation. Tickets for this wonderful gala event include a catered meal by local talent and are available at the Meaford Chamber of Commerce Office for $55 (including HST). For more information please contact:
Meaford Chamber of Commerce
1-16 Trowbridge St. W.
Meaford, ON N4L 1N2
519-538-1640
info@meafordchamber.ca
