Residents are invited to nominate a local business, individual, or entrepreneur for Outstanding Business Achievement Awards (OBAAs).
The Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce and Libro Credit Union started accepting nominations at 7 a.m. May 17, and will continue to do so until Friday, June 30 at 11:59 p.m.
Marketing and Events Coordinator Robin Cooke said there are 12 award categories for the 33rd annual event, with a couple of changes made this year.
A green business award has been added to recognize those who are focused on working toward net zero. The coveted business of the year award has also been expanded to include individual awards for the small, medium and large businesses of the year.
"We've made that change simply because more of the smaller businesses will put themselves forward and be nominated, and feel more comfortable putting their nominations in," said Cooke.
Members of the public can nominate someone for one of the categories and nominees who meet the requirements can then submit entries for judging.
"The judging isn't done in town, it is sent to chambers across Ontario so it makes the process very transparent and very fair," Cooke said.
Over 200 people were nominated last year. Nominations for this year's OBAAs can be submitted online.
Winners will be announced at a gala evening on October 20 at the Sunbridge Hotel. Cooke said tickets for the event will be available online soon.
Cooke highlighted the work of eight volunteers (members of the planning committee) who put the event together.
Last year marked the first in-person gala evening held since 2019.