Glam in jams: Business Excellence Awards from home

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

This years’ Business Excellence Awards (BEAs) by the Strathmore Wheatland Chamber of Commerce (SWCC) will again highlight the accomplishments of the local business community, while taking a different form.

While 2020 was a challenging year for people and businesses alike, the business community showed incredible resilience, according to Shawn Kisling, SWCC executive director during a Facebook Live address.

“This community in Strathmore and Wheatland County is so strong, and I applaud everyone for stepping up, taking control, doing the right thing and just pushing forward,” he said.

Due to COVID-19 public health measures, an in-person awards show is not possible this year. But the triumphs of local businesses will still be recognized, as the SWCC is holding a virtual event, being called “Glam in Jams.”

While planning for the event is still underway, the event will be like a variety show, with live music and other performances, said Kisling, who is co-hosting. It will be held live at 7 p.m. on Jan. 29 but will be recorded so anyone can watch it after.

“We want businesses out there to know how much we appreciate everything they do,” said Hayley Poirier, SWCC chair.

There are 13 categories of awards, including 11 from past years: customer service (individual), customer service (business), small business of the year (up to three employees), medium business of the year (four to 15 employees), large business of the year (over 15 employees), best Wheatland County business, best agricultural business, best new business, best downtown business, best youth entrepreneur and best non-profit organization.

Additionally, there are two new categories this year, that reflect some of the new approaches being taken considering the pandemic. These include social media pioneer award and best home-based business, for retail and service.

For more information or to submit a nomination, contact the chamber at SWCCnominations@gmail.com. The nomination period closes at 5 p.m. on Jan. 11. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges.

“It’s time for all of us to nominate businesses that we would like to see recognized, as well as make sure that all of your friends, family and business acquaintances know about the BEAs and nominations so that they can take advantage of nominating somebody that they feel needs to be recognized,” said Poirier.