Battlefords Chamber of Commerce announces finalists for annual BBEX Awards

“In 2020 we did do a modified version at the movie theatre. But this will be the first time we’ve had a full in-person banquet,” she said. “Guests will be able to enjoy a reception. Then, we will have a dinner, as well as the awards ceremony which will be hosted in the theatre.”

The 2022 BBEX Awards Finalists for several categories. (Submitted/Battlefords Chamber of Commerce)

A total of 38 finalists will be honoured for their excellence for business in the Battlefords this year.

There will be three new awards in 2022: the Agriculture and Agri-Business Award, the Impact Award, and the Member’s Choice Award.

The 2022 BBEX Awards Finalists for the remaining categories. (Submitted/Battlefords Chamber of Commerce)

“The committee felt that after the reset with COVID, that it was important to prioritize what is going on in the Battlefords,” Machniak said. “In particular, we know that agriculture and agri-business is a big part of this economy regionally. We had never had an ag. award specifically. So we thought that was important.”

For the new Impact Award, she said that came out of many discussions over several years about non-profit entities and charities that do such great work in the community but are not usually considered as businesses.

“The group [awards committee] decided they really wanted to recognize and acknowledge the work that the community charities and non-profit groups are doing, and how they impact the community,” Machniak said.

Also new this year, the Young Entrepreneur Award is a category that has been brought forward to stand on its own, rather than being part of another category as it was in 2020.

Another change in the 2022 awards competition, the Heather Guthrie Customer Service Star Award will be presented to an individual employee of a business this year. Then, in 2023 it will be awarded to a business owner instead. Following that, each year it will alternate, so it will be awarded to an employee one year and a business owner the next.

The Business of the Year Award will also be presented at the 2022 awards ceremony. The recipient will be selected from among the finalists in the business categories.

The chamber will also announce the recipient of the Stan Wychopen Memorial BBEX Scholarship at the event.

The chamber is also considering making an announcement on a Hall of Fame Award.

Machniak said, as an example, several years ago, Milbanke’s Flowers and Gifts shop was acknowledged for their more than 100 years of service in the community. The chamber is looking at potentially offering that award again.

“We may look to do that. An announcement has not been made yet on that,” Machniak said.

People wishing to attend the 2022 BBEX awards ceremony and gala can purchase their tickets in advance by contacting the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce.

“I’m looking forward to the celebration,” Machniak said. “It’s been a long time coming. It’s been a couple of years since we’ve done a BBEX awards so it will be fun to get back at it.”

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

by Angela Brown

Battlefords Chamber of Commerce announces finalists for annual BBEX Awards

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