2024 Fernie Business Excellence Awards - Nomination Survey

Welcome to the 2024 Fernie Business Excellence Awards Nomination Survey!

The nomination period will run from Tuesday, August 6th - Thursday, September 5th at 11:59 pm. Cast your nominations using the survey below!

You can *nominate for every category, or just the ones you feel strongly about. All *nominees from each category will be contacted once the nomination period closes and asked to submit a Nominee Form that the judges will use to determine the finalists and winners. The three finalists in each category will be announced on Monday, October 7th, with the winners of each category being announced at the awards gala on the evening of Thursday, October 24th at Bayleaf Indian Fusion-Fernie. More information on how to purchase tickets for the gala to come.

About the winner selection process:

Anyone can nominate a business or individual for any award they feel meets the criteria outlined in the online nomination survey. All nominees from business categories will then be contacted once the nomination period closes and asked to submit an Nominee Form that will be used by the judges to determine the finalists and winners.

*Nominee's must be a Fernie Chamber member in good standing (exceptions: Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year).

Judging process (new as of 2023): The Nominee Forms will be reviewed by a panel of judges from the Fernie area. These judges will be comprised of sponsors, past winners, community partners, and Fernie Chamber board members.

Exceptions to this process are Citizen of the Year and the Chamber Legacy Award – which will be determined by the Fernie Chamber board of directors.

Businesses and organizations nominated in all categories will be on the ballot for the People’s Choice award that the public will vote on in September.

New Award 2024: We have replaced the Business Innovation Award with the Youth Employer of the Year Award.

Any questions on this process can be sent to events@ferniechamber.com

Question Title

* 1. CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes an individual who:

lives and volunteers in the community

continually gives back to the community

helps make Fernie a great place to live

has demonstrated leadership abilities

Nominee must have resided in Fernie for at least two years.

Include the name of the individual and your reasoning for this nomination.

Question Title

* 2. COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes the accomplishments of a not-for-profit organization or community group which:

contributes to the economic, social, and/or cultural well‐being of Fernie

has an established reputation for delivering a high level of programs and/or services

has a track record of efficient and effective management

Nominee must be a not-for-profit organization or community group.

Question Title

* 3. NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes a business that:

started operations within the past two years (since August 2022)

is considered a rising leader in their sector

is innovative, resilient and enhances the business base in our region

* The nominee may be a business that has opened a new location in town. However, it cannot be a franchise or an existing, established business that has undergone a change in ownership or management while continuing to provide substantially the same business or service.

Nominee must be a Fernie Chamber of Commerce member in good standing.

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* 4. COMMUNITY TOURISM ACHIEVEMENT
This award recognizes a business, organization or individual that has notably contributed to the success of Fernie’s tourism industry within the areas of:

marketing

industry development/growth

product development

market development/growth

innovation, entrepreneurship or strategic business growth

Nominee must be a Fernie Chamber of Commerce member in good standing.

Question Title

* 5. EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes a business or organization that shows exceptional commitment to its employees, demonstrated through:

job creation

employee training and support

employee recognition and rewards

employee health and wellness

employee professional development

commitment to inclusion and diversity in the workplace

Nominee must be a Fernie Chamber of Commerce member in good standing.

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* 6. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
This award recognizes a business or organization that:

exemplifies leadership and commitment to sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility

demonstrates community leadership in establishing measurable sustainability initiatives or standards

enhances Fernie's natural environment for healthy living and sustainable economic vibrancy

Nominee must be a Fernie Chamber of Commerce member in good standing.

Question Title

* 7. BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes an individual working for a for-profit business who:

has significantly contributed to the success of the business they work for (does not have to be the business owner)

has held a key position within the business for at least one year

has demonstrated good business standards and ethics

has demonstrated innovation and leadership, and community involvement

Nominee must be a Fernie Chamber of Commerce member in good standing.

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* 8. OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE
This award recognizes customer service excellence by a business that:

gives their customers a remarkable experience

has a strong dedication to customer satisfaction, customer service, or development of an outstanding product that serves a customer need in Fernie

has been recognized as a leader in customer service in Fernie

has put their staff through the Fernie Ambassador Program (considered an asset)

Nominee must be a Fernie Chamber of Commerce member in good standing. 

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* 9. (NEW 2024)YOUTH EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD
This award recognizes a business or organization that:

Actively engage in hiring, training, mentoring, and leading youth in the workplace

A business that creates valuable employment opportunities and fosters an environment that supports the growth and development of young individuals

Youth and young individuals are classified as being from the ages 13 - 21

Nominee must be a Fernie Chamber of Commerce member in good standing. 

Question Title

* 10. CHAMBER BUSINESS LEGACY
This award recognizes a business that:

Award recognizes a business whose efforts have accomplished extraordinary things that have benefited Fernie and area in unique and meaningful ways.

A business that is an inspiration and role model for the community. (Can be awarded posthumously)

A business that contributes to the social, recreational, cultural, and overall well-being of the community.

Nominee must have been in business for over ten years.

Nominee must be a Fernie Chamber of Commerce member in good standing.

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* 11. FERNIE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes a business that:

embraces business operations that have a positive impact in the community

models diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and in business decision making

demonstrates leadership within the community

demonstrates true business excellence in overall operations including customer service, business standards and ethics, employee relations, marketing, and innovation

is regarded as an industry leader with a strong reputation for their business success

Nominee must be a Fernie Chamber of Commerce member in good standing.