It is always nice to be recognized by one’s peers for the work you are doing.
 That is why programs such as both the SCoBE and STARS in business Awards, recognizing business excellence in specific areas, always attract numerous entries.
The Saugeen Economic Development Corporation and Industry Canada in partnership with the Chambers of Commerce in West Grey, Walkerton & District, Paisley & District, Mildmay, Hanover and Chesley & District annually present the SCoBEs. The awards program is open to businesses in all of those communities as well as in West Grey, including Ayton, Durham and Neustadt.
Nominations are now open – forms can be picked up at the Saugeen Economic Development Centre at its new home at 515 Mill Street in Neustadt or are available online at  HYPERLINK "http://www.sbdc.ca" www.sbdc.ca or by calling 519-799-5750. Award categories include Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Customer Service Excellence, Company of the Year (under 15 employees), Company of the Year (over 15 employees) and Corporate Citizen of the Year. Winners will be announced at the gala awards evening being held in May at the Mildmay Carrick Recreation Complex.
While you’re thinking of those businesses in Ayton, Durham and Neustadt that you could nominate for a SCoBE, there’s another newly instituted awards program that you may want to consider as well.
The West Grey Chamber of Commerce has announced it is planning new awards of recognition -- the West Grey Citizen of the Year and West Grey Youth Citizen of the Year (18 and Under) awards. The deadline for nominations is March 15 and the awards will be presented at the annual meeting of the West Grey Chamber of Commerce this spring. Nomination forms are at Granny’s stores in Ayton and Neustadt and at the Garafraxa Street Bookstore in Durham or nominations can be sent via email to westgrey@bellnet.ca stating the nominee’s name and address, the reason why you are nominating that individual and your own name and contact number.
The awards will be presented annually to deserving individuals in West Grey who go above and beyond, often unsung, in service to others. The criteria is simple -- the individual nominated must be a resident of West Grey and have shown a willingness to make life better for the community, whether it be church, school or other organization, in sports or just as a neighbor.
The Saugeen Territory Awards of Recognition & Success (STARs in business) awards were presented this past fall, at a gala evening in Mount Forest, and soon the Mount Forest & District Chamber of Commerce will be calling for nominations for its annual citizen of the year awards program.
It’s nice to be recognized for the work one is doing – and now is the time to nominate both businesses and individuals in West Grey.