Powell River Chamber of Commerce is introducing a new category for its annual Horizon Business Awards.
The chamber has been receiving nominations from residents for many years for not-for-profit organizations.
Chamber manager Kim Miller said she had to contact them and regretfully explain that these organizations were not eligible within the defined guidelines. “This upset some people deeply,” she explained. “Some organizations believe they should be apart of our awards event as they are actually chamber members. They have voiced their grievances regarding their exclusion because they sincerely believe they act like a business in that they employ people and help our economy thrive.”
Each year the new board of directors discusses this issue and after “a spirited debate,” the 2014-15 board decided to create an award for not-for-profits.
In the past the chamber has added and eliminated awards as the business community grows and evolves.
Over the years, many chambers across BC have developed an award for not-for-profits, said Miller, “I’m able to appropriate ideas from other chambers and personalize to our community’s needs.”
“We are excited to bring this new award forward,” added president Jack Barr. “Not-for-profit organizations are essential to the overall well-being and health of our community.”
Ballots can be found on page 14 of this publication or can be accessed at www.powellriverchamber.com. “Although you do not have to be a member to be nominated, we hope everyone does join,” said Miller.
