Business excellence to be celebrated on Sept. 28

Outstanding service with a smile is that what makes a business stand out to you? Perhaps it's the efficiency and professionalism of the business people with whom you interact. Maybe it's the community spirit of owners who contribute to their community, which keeps you coming back as a customer. Whatever the reasons, customers and employees can now honour businesses that have excelled or are models of successful enterprises in South Simcoe.

Most people know of businesses that contribute to the community, now there's an opportunity to recognize those businesses and their owners, at the Tenth Annual Business Excellence Awards to be held at Bradford Arena and Community Center, on Sept. 28.

Hosted by Nottawasaga Futures and the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, the awards seek to recognize excellence, outstanding achievement and customer satisfaction in small, medium and large businesses in South Simcoe.

Customers, employees and owners are encouraged to participate by submitting entries by August 24, in seven categories, as follows:

 Quality Award presented to micro, small, medium and large businesses that successfully apply the principals of quality management in their search for customer satisfaction and financial success;

 Business Excellence Award presented to a business that has contributed significantly to the economic development of the community through their growth, investment and community involvement;

 New Business Award presented to a new business venture that leads to investments in the local economy;

 Entrepreneur of the Year Award presented to an individual who is recognized for outstanding achievement in starting, taking over or substantially changing an independent

profit making business venture while exhibiting a high level of leadership, creativity and sense of community;

 Agricultural Award presented to an agricultural enterprise, where the principals of farm operation or related operation are applied, resulting in a flourishing and thriving endeavour;

 Customer Service Award presented to a business that stands out among those nominated for their outstanding customer service skills. Certificates will be presented to all nominees;  Business Award for

Promotion and Advancement of Literacy Presented to a business that has undertaken efforts to promote literacy within their organization.

Nomination forms are available at Nottawasaga Futures located at 233 Church St. S., Alliston; 7896 Yonge St., Stroud; or at 95 Holland St. W., Bradford, or your local Chamber of Commerce. Completed forms may be faxed to (705) 431-8020.

Deadline for entries is August 30.