Do you think one of our North Island businesses is the best in its category on Vancouver Island? Organizers and sponsors of the 14th annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards (VIBEAs) want to hear from you, as the call for nominations has been issued for the popular event, taking place Jan. 23 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo.
“The Business Excellence Awards has been a ‘can’t miss’ date on the calendar of events on Vancouver Island since our very first one in 1999,” said Robert MacDonald of Business Examiner Vancouver Island, who founded the event. “Each year we’re amazed at the quality and volume of businesses competing … and we expect that momentum to build quickly for this years’ event.”
The event, sponsored by RBC Royal Bank, has its nominations open until Dec. 15 in numerous categories, ranging from trade, construction and resource sector to professional, technology and real estate and many more.
“There are always a number of surprises when it comes time to announce the winners,” said MacDonald. “The judges have a tough task ahead of them to determine which business stands out above the crowd in their category. Some of the success stories are simply amazing.”
The VIBEAs have become an effective marketing tool for businesses, MacDonald said, with the stories of all finalists published in a souvenir book, in print and online, to commemorate the event. Some winners use the VIBEA logo in their own marketing tools after the event, announcing their victories and nominations.
“It’s a tremendous way to capitalize on the free publicity that comes for even being nominated for such a prestigious award,” MacDonald explained.
“When you’re able to tell clients and potential customers that you’re an award-winning company, that helps set you apart in the marketplace and above your competitors.”
VIBEA winners will be announced in the February issue of the Business Examiner. For more information about the event, or sponsorship, contact Robert MacDonald at 250-758-2684. To nominate a business, visit www.businessvi.ca/events and download a nomination form.