ELY- It’s that time of year again to nominate your favorite Ely businesses and employees for the annual Celebrate Ely Awards. Every year, the Ely Chamber of Commerce gives out four awards to those businesses and their workers who make Ely a better place for everyone to work, live, and visit. These prestigious awards seek to recognize the invaluable contributions of the recipients and inspire others to follow their examples. Award recipients will be recognized at this year’s Celebrate Ely dinner scheduled for Thursday, April 3.
The chamber seeks nominations for the following awards: the Jackpine Bob Cary Community Spirit Award, the Good Neighbor Business Award, the Good Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award, and the Excellence in Customer Service Award.
The chamber founded the Jackpine Bob Cary Community Spirit Award in 2009 in honor of local legend Jackpine Bob Cary. As an author, artist, photographer, wilderness guide, and ski racer, Cary helped put Ely on the map when he ran for president as an Independent Fisherman’s Party representative.
Cary is remembered for his passion for life and his ability to have fun, epitomizing the spirit that lives on in Ely today. The award recognizes an individual, group, organization, or business that keeps Cary’s community spirit alive through the positive promotion of the Ely area and tourism.
The Good Neighbor Business Award is for businesses that go above and beyond to foster an environment of community improvement and support. The owners or managers of these companies demonstrate good business citizenship through an ongoing sharing of their or their staff’s time and talent for the betterment of the Ely area. Examples of good neighbor contributions to the community include financial contributions to various organizations or fund-raisers, sponsorships of events, volunteer work by owners or their staff, donations of services, facilities, or other resources, and involvement in community organizations or activities.
Any for-profit or nonprofit business is eligible for this award. Nominees do not have to be members of the Ely Chamber of Commerce.
The Good Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award is for that person who is always stepping forward to assist others. Their work may include assisting neighbors, serving as active members of area clubs and organizations, or just lending a hand no matter the situation. Please help the chamber recognize a community member for their ongoing service to the Ely community by nominating a worthy volunteer for the Good Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award.
The Excellence in Customer Service Award is for those who personify excellence in customer service. The chamber seeks your help to find those who excel as the face of the business where they work. Please nominate those who have gone the extra mile in serving their clients.
To nominate a business or individual for one or all of these awards, please send a short statement (150-500 words) to the Ely Chamber of Commerce about why you feel they deserve recognition. Please identify specific, recent achievements that describe the nominee’s work and impact on our community. Submit your nominations to the Ely Chamber of Commerce, 1600 E. Sheridan St., or via email at director@ely.org. Nominations will be accepted through Feb. 3.