“It can’t be done,” president Dianne Hawkins heard a lot about the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Top 40 Under 40 Awards.
Some folks apparently thought the Chamber would be lucky to find 40 people younger than 40 in the Comox Valley let alone that many worthy of awards.
The inaugural awards went swimmingly well, though, which set the stage to return to the Comox Valley Annual Community Awards.
Held in one form of another since 1974, the annual awards recognize community service, business success and the entrepreneurial spirit.
Awards will be presented Jan. 26 in another gala evening at the Florence Filberg Centre. The theme is A Royal Affair. Tickets will be available in mid-December.
Taking a cue from the Top 40 Under 40 Awards, there will be two new community awards.
The Youth Leadership Award will recognize someone younger than 25 or a group or organization whose key members are younger than 25 who has made significant contributions to the community.
The Young Entrepreneur Award recognizes a person or team to have achieved remarkable business success before the age of 35.
The other 10 categories are: Agricultural Business of the Year; Business of the Year; Citizen of the Year; Customer Service; Environmental Leadership; Heritage Recognition; New Business of the Year; President's Merit Award; Professional Merit; and Small Business of the Year.
Before awards can be presented, though, the selection committee needs nominations. You can help by suggesting deserving people or organizations for the above awards. This is crucial because you can’t nominate yourself this time.
Between stops on the social ramble this holiday season, put some thought into who you could nominate.
Nominations are open until Jan. 3 at 4 p.m. Forms are available at www.ComoxValleyChamber.com or visit 2040 Cliffe Ave. in Courtenay to pick up printed copies. For details, call 250-334-3234.
Put that eggnog down, and nominate somebody right now.
editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com