The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce will launch a new award when it holds its 20th annual Business Excellence gala this year.
The Business Resiliency category will recognize local companies that have managed to prosper despite the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, which has put a strain on many enterprises since the spring.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has burdened business owners with new challenges and duress as they have worked to navigate the ever-changing business landscape,” said chamber CEO Michael Hind. “The business community faced the challenge of maintaining the local economy by serving the community and keeping their employees working. This unprecedented responsibility and uncertainty put added hardship on our businesses.”
The chamber is now accepting nominations for the new award, as well as the regular categories the gala has featured over the last 20 years, like Business of the Year (1-10 employees, 11-30 employees and 30 and more employees), Community Spirit, Not-For Profit, Business Leader, Young Professional and Environmental Steward.
Hind said this year’s awards will take on new meaning after the year many businesses have had to struggle through.
“I encourage you all to reflect upon your experiences over the last several months and take a few minutes to nominate the local business that went above and beyond to continue to serve our community,” he said.
• Anyone that knows an outstanding business, organization or individual in the Tri-Cities can submit their application online at www.tricitieschamber.com/submissions before Oct. 9, 2020. Businesses must have a valid license in the Tri-Cities and have conducted operations within the area over the past 12 consecutive months. The company does not have to be a member of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.
