The bar is being raised on the annual Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce awards night.
“The ante has been upped,” said chamber president Michael Nyikes. “The program is shorter with less speaking.”
There are food changes as well, said Nyikes, prime rib and wild salmon are on the menu.
The chamber awards night is an annual event meant to honour local businesses with awards in categories such as Professional and Retail Excellence, Sustainability Leadership and New Business of the year. There are many other categories as well which cover all aspects of business in the Sooke region.
Nyikes will be giving out two awards he selected, for Lifetime Achievement and the President’s Award of Recognition.
“These didn’t receive nominations, as president I made the decision. This is a special type of situation.”
This year’s gala event is being held on April 5 at the Prestige Oceanfront Resort.
Door prizes, music, dancing, a cash bar and limo rides home fill out the agenda.
“We want people to have fun, dance after and get a free limo to get home safely,” said Nyikes. He also mentioned “preferential” rates at the Prestige if people wanted to spend the night at the hotel.
The three finalists in each category will be announced at the gala, meanwhile all of the names of the nominees will be on the chamber’s website (www.sookeregionchamber.com).
The three finalists were chosen by a panel and they agreed to make their names public at the gala.
Nyikes wants to remind people that everyone is welcome to attend, chamber member or not. And kids are welcome as well, but Nyikes warns, “it’s a long night and kids need to be more mature.”
The tremendous number of nominees is a sign of support for local businesses, said Nyikes.
“The reasons given (for nominating) were excellent,” he said. “Good quality stuff and it will be a classy fun event.”
Tickets for the Awards Gala are available on the chamber’s website using paypal or at the office, #201, 2015 Sheilds Road. Tickets are $55 per person or $100 for two. Tickets will also be available at the door for $65.
More information can be obtained by calling the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce office at 250-642-6112.
With roots dating back to 1948, the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce continues to evolve and strengthen in order to provide necessary leadership, education and advocacy for the business community.