While the coronavirus may have delayed it, COVID-19 will not deny the Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce an opportunity to recognize local businesses through an excellence awards program.

Originally planned for mid-spring 2020, the inaugural 2020 County of Prince Edward Business Excellence Awards aim to celebrate and provide recognition for the local business community and how much they contribute to the local economy.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lesley Lavender explained the impact of an economic shutdown these past few months has emphasized how important business is to consumers, to employees, and as a part of the local community and the organization is looking forward to the recognizing these vital and important contributors through an awards vehicle.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lesley Lavender.

“If there’s one word that can be universally used to describe entrepreneurs, it’s grit. They have to adapt and move and change and grow and develop continuously. That process never stops and much like our farmers that need to weather tough seasons, the business community in Prince Edward County has had to weather COVID-19 and they are coming out stronger for it.”

Countless Prince Edward County businesses have adjusted and changed methods and processes over the last eight month due to the novel coronavirus and “stepped up their game’ for the residents and visiting consumers. The Executive Director said it been with honour and pride to watch these transformations in times of constant change.

Originally, a gala event for April, 2020 was being planned by the Chamber with all the tidings and trimmings of a wonderful evening celebrating those leaders and organizations that have achieved much over the past few years.

However, a reimagined, community-driven, dynamic live virtual experience is being planned for January 28th, 2021.

“As the voice of business in The County and beyond, the PEC Chamber of Commerce has been working tirelessly to create new virtual opportunities to connect leaders,” Lavender added. “We were pleased to continue the tradition of supporting businesspeople, showcasing leadership, and celebrating business excellence by transforming our inaugural Business Excellence Awards into a live, virtual awards ceremony.”

This event and awards ceremony will celebrate the contributions of business-people and feature organizations that exemplify leadership and business excellence in our community. The Award nominations are based on criteria that include outstanding business leadership, community involvement, entrepreneurship, environment, employee welfare, innovation and growth.

Lavender stresses the County of Prince Edward Business Excellence Awards is a completely independent program, open to any business, entrepreneur and not-for-profit organization based in Prince Edward County.

“We encourage all residents and visitors of Prince Edward County to take advantage of the opportunity to support and reinvest in our business community. Nominate your favourite businesses and businesspeople for any one of the six awards,” she said. “As well, when the ticket information is released, ticket holders will be given exclusive access to the live, interactive event production. As a part of this one-of-a-kind experience, each ticket holder also will receive an awards night gift bag, showcasing a broad array of products from Chamber members and the broader business community.”

Programme sponsors include the title sponsor County of Prince Edward, The Picton Gazette, McDougall Insurance, Wilkinson & Company, Community Futures, Centre for Workforce Development, and OneLook Productions.

Visit www.pecchamber.com/events to nominate a deserving business. Nominations close November 1.