Business Excellence Awards FAQ’s

Nominations
The nominations for the 2023/24 Business Excellence Awards will be open from September 5th to October 13, 2023.
Nominees will be contacted for further information.

Q: How do I nominate a Chilliwack business or Chilliwack business person?
A: Fill out the nomination form to recognize a Chilliwack business, Chilliwack business person, or to shine a spotlight on your own business success story.

The nomination form should take between 5-10 minutes and we ask that you select answers to the drop-down questions to the best of your knowledge.

We also ask that you provide a brief description of why the business or business person is deserving of a nomination. This could be in the form of a personal experience, insight into the business/person that is deserving of recognition, and so forth.

Q: Does preference go to businesses that are Chamber of Commerce Members?
A: No. No preference is given to businesses who are Members of the Chilliwack Chamber. The Business Excellence Awards, although hosted by the Chilliwack Chamber, celebrates all local businesses and business leaders who contribute to the economic growth and health of the community.

Q: Is my nomination anonymous?
A: You have a choice whether to keep your nomination anonymous or whether to include your name.
The business(es) or business person(s) you nominate will not know who nominated them.

Q: How will I know if my nomination was successful?
A: After the nomination deadline, ALL nominees will be contacted and asked to complete a short submission form which will provide them more detailed information about their business for consideration by the Judging Committee. Not all nominees will be short-listed for interviews.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of businesses/business persons I can nominate?
A: There is NO limit to the number of businesses/business persons you can nominate in each category.

Finalists
Recognized as a business that made significant contributions to the economic health of the community in your respective industry.

Q: I represent a business that was nominated and I filled out a form outlining my business for further consideration in the Judging process. What happens next?
A: If you or your business has been selected as a finalist by the Judging Committee, you will be contacted by a sub-committee of judges from the business community to schedule an interview.

Finalists in each respective award category will be recognized at the Business Excellence Awards – attended by 500+ local businesses and community leaders – as a business that has made significant contributions to the economic health of the community.

As a finalist, you will also enjoy:

  • Being featured in our multi-media campaign as one of the Business Excellence Awards Finalists
  • A commemorative “Business Excellence Awards Finalists” badge to place on your website and use in marketing materials


Winners
Winners of the Chilliwack Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards will:

  • Receive an engraved award at the Business Excellence Awards Ceremony and have a maximum of two minutes to speak upon receiving their award
  • Be featured in our multi-media campaign as a Business Excellence Awards Winner
  • Receive a “Business Excellence Winner” badge to place on their website and use in marketing materials
  • Receive a professional award photo with your team and our sponsor of your award


Nomination and Judging Timeline

September 5th – September 29th, 2023: Nominations for 2023/23 open.

October 13th, 2023: Deadline for Nominee Submission Form and copy of your Chilliwack business license.

October 16th – October 27th, 2023: Nominee Submission Forms reviewed by the Judging Committee, a scoring matrix will be used to guide the process and determine our finalists.

November 1st, 2023: Judge interviews begin to determine winners.

December 19th, 2023: At our December Chamber Connections, Dining Excellence, Retail Excellence, and Recreation and Leisure Excellence awards will be announced! One of the three winners will become our Service Excellence Winner, announced at BEA! We will follow it with a social media live post.

Once the Finalists are determined, 30+ judges in teams of 3 will review the nominations, questionnaire submissions, and scores, and conduct an interview in person with the finalists. Each team will converse and determine a winner for two categories.

January 27th, 2024: Business Excellence Awards Gala Event held at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre.
*Please note that winners are determined by the Judging Committee, not by online voting system or by number of nominations.


FAQ’s

Can businesses or individuals nominate themselves?
• Yes, self-nominations are welcome.

How long does a business have to be operating to self-nominate or be nominated?
• Varies by award, but minimally one year in operation for all.

Can surrounding companies be nominated?
• Surrounding areas (Greendale, Rosedale, Cultus Lake, Yarrow) are all welcome.  Members of the Chamber from other communities are also welcome (for ex. Aggasiz)

Do I need to have a business license to qualify?
•Yes, you need to have proof of a valid business license from the City of Chilliwack.

How are the finalists and winners decided?
• Finalists and winners are decided by the independent Judging Committee

Can a business or individual self-nominate or be nominated in more than one category?
• Yes, you may self-nominate or be nominated in as many categories as deemed qualified. Judges may use their discretion to identify the most suitable categories for businesses to be placed.

How many consecutive years can you self-nominate or be nominated?
• Unlimited nominations are welcome

How many years after winning in one category can you self-nominate or be nominated in the same category?
• After 2 consecutive wins in a row, you will be asked to move to the judging panel of that award for two years prior to winning again.  You can still be considered in other categories if applicable.  You may also be asked to assist in presenting the award.

If you win in one category, can you self-nominate or be nominated in a different category the following year?
• Yes.

How many consecutive years can you be nominated in the same category?
• Unlimited

Can franchises of large companies qualify?
• Yes, if the franchise is privately owned and is operating in the City of Chilliwack or surrounding area

Can sponsors be nominated in a category other than the one they are sponsoring?
• Yes, as we have 30+ judges and teams of 3, the teams will be selected based on no conflicts.

Can sponsors make nominations?
• Yes.

Can Board Member’s companies be nominated?
• Yes, as the independent Judging Committee is not comprised of Chamber staff or Board Members.


Eligibility

In order to be eligible for a nomination in any of the categories you must:

  • Have been in business for a minimum of 1 year in the City of Chilliwack or surrounding area
  • Possess a valid business license in the City of Chilliwack or surrounding area.
  • Demonstrate a proven sales record.
    Anyone is able to nominate a business or business person and nominees do not have to be a Chamber member. For additional information please view our FAQ.
  • Finalists must have a valid business license