Nominations are now open for the 23rd annual Business Achievement Awards, with organizers unveiling refreshed award categories and a new two year cycle aimed at better reflecting Cobourg area businesses.
The awards, presented by the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Cobourg, recognize businesses and organizations across Cobourg, Alnwick Haldimand and Hamilton Township.
Organizers say the changes follow feedback from past participants and nominees, prompting a restructuring of categories and evaluation criteria.
“The Business Achievement Awards Committee listened closely to the feedback we have received over the past few years,” said Tanya Colford, chair of the Chamber’s board and co chair of the awards committee.
Under the new model, publicly nominated categories will alternate every other year, allowing broader representation across sectors while creating more clearly defined competition.
“By moving to a two year awards cycle, we have been able to divide some of the broader categories into more specific awards, ensuring that every nominee competes on a truly level playing field,” Colford said, adding the committee is focused on fairness, clarity and celebrating excellence.
Updated categories include entrepreneurship, inclusion diversity equity and accessibility, farming and agribusiness, health and wellness, not for profit community services, outstanding customer experience, professional services, tourism operator, and small retail trade for businesses with nine or fewer employees.
Organizers say the revised structure better reflects today’s business landscape, recognizing innovation, service excellence and the varied ways local businesses contribute to the community.
Nominations are open to the public and must be submitted by Thursday, February 19. Businesses must have operated for at least two years and cannot nominate themselves.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for March 27 at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
