2020 was a challenging year. Many businesses had to close temporarily, many had to send their employees to their homes to work from kitchen tables and living rooms, and many had to keep going amidst surging COVID-19 case numbers. Increased safety measures were brought in, restrictions were imposed, and business was definitely not as usual. Many are still struggling into 2021.
Despite all these changes, businesses found creative solutions to keep going. Some businesses opened up online stores or developed more of an online presence, some introduced curbside pick-up and delivery. Businesses added protective barriers to keep their employees and customers safe, and placed arrows on their floors to help customers social distance. They offered new products, like take&bake meals, masks, and hand sanitizer.
Volunteers faced challenges too. Many traditional volunteer opportunities weren’t available in 2020, yet people still found a way to give back. People picked up groceries for their immune-compromised neighbours or performed wellness checks on those in need. The volunteer organizations that kept going had to find creative solutions to keep things safe, holding their meetings online and bringing in increased safety measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19.
The 2020 Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce Business & Community Excellence Awards will once again be presented at the Fall Fling (date to be announced). The Cowichan Lake area is filled with so many amazing business and community members who deserved to be celebrated. Who made your 2020 better? Fill out a nomination form and tell us! Don’t let these courageous community members and businesses go uncelebrated. Send us your selections by Friday, August 20th, 2021. Download a form here and email it to lcchamber(at)shaw.ca when you’ve completed it.
Below are the 5 possible categories you can submit nominations for. To view the criteria, download the application form above.
Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by Island Savings
Customer Service of the Year Award – Sponsored by Lake Cowichan Country Grocer
Citizen of the Year Award
Nichole Stock Community Service Award
Youth of the Year Award
