Congratulations on your nomination for the 2025 Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards!

Here's everything you need to know about what comes next, including helpful tips and deadlines to guide you through the process.

Nomination Review & Validation

  • The Chamber reviews all nominations to confirm eligibility based on category-specific and general criteria.
  • If you're eligible, you'll receive an email inviting you to accept your nomination and complete the official award application.

Helpful Tips

Before you begin, review the Eligibility Guidelines and FAQ to make sure you are nominated in the best-fitting category.

Start Early — Give Your Nomination the Time It Deserves Rushing on the final day can lead to stress, technical issues, or incomplete answers. Begin your application early to ensure you have time to reflect, gather strong support materials, and put your best foot forward.

Watch Your Inbox

  • Notifications will be sent from notify@awardify.io — please check your inbox, junk, or spam folder.
  • Once validated, you'll receive a “What's Next” email with steps to access your nominee portal.

Accessing the Application Portal

  • Sign in using the email that received the What's Next email. 
  • If you need help accessing your account or used the wrong email, contact us at 778-476-3111 or awards@penticton.org

Reminder: You must sign in to your account to access your your application. Once logged in:

  • You should see a Welcome - With a Blue Highlighted Section with your Award Category Nomination - this is clickable link. 
  • Fill in all required fields and remember to save your progress as you go.

Completing Your Application

  • Answer all required questions thoughtfully—this is the only information judges will use during the initial review.
  • Be clear, concise, and genuine in your responses.
  • Upload visuals such as business photos, logo, and any supporting documents (testimonials, reviews, or media coverage).
  • Include links to your website, social media platforms, or Google reviews to provide judges with a well-rounded view of your business.
  • Remember to SAVE along the way!
  • This awards platform is entirely web-based - All you need is a browser - no apps required.
  • Please don't wait until the last day to complete your package — give yourself enough time to provide thoughtful and thorough responses. 

Deadline to Submit: Monday, September 8 at 11:59 PM
Incomplete applications will not be visible to the judges.

If You've Been Nominated in More Than One Category

  • Review the Award Categories to help decide which category is the best fit for your business - Reminder You Can Only Accept and Complete ONE nomination.
  • If you're unsure, reach out to us for guidance.

Need Help

If you're having trouble with your application, don't wait—reach out. We're here to help!

Editing Your Application

  • You can edit and update your application anytime before the deadline.
  • Once you're satisfied, make sure to click “Submit to Judges” to finalize your entry.

Judging & Selection Process

Phase One: Online Review

  • Judges independently score each completed application using a standardized evaluation matrix through Awardify.

Phase Two: Interview

  • Following the Nominee Reception, applicants will be invited to a scheduled interview with judges.
  • Interviews will be conducted via Zoom or in-person at a designated location.
  • Judges will not conduct business site visits.

This interview is your opportunity to tell your story and bring your written application to life—it's an essential part of the final evaluation.

Gala Announcement

Award recipients will be revealed during our
Cabaret of Achievements Gala – A Moulin Rouge-Inspired Evening presented by Total Restoration Services 
Saturday, October 25 – Penticton Trade & Convention Centre 

Disclosure & Important Notes

  • The Chamber reserves the right to disqualify incomplete or inaccurate applications without notice.
  • Information submitted will be used in event promotions, media releases, and gala materials—accuracy and clarity matter.
  • Judges will only review information submitted by the nominee and publicly available content (e.g., website, reviews, social media).
  • All nominees and judges must agree to the Business Excellence Awards Code of Conduct