Do you know a businessperson who is innovative and progressive, an industry leader who has demonstrated all-around growth, is a good corporate citizen and conducts their business with integrity and fairness to their employees and customers? If so, that person may just be eligible for the 2009 Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Person of the Year Award.
Despite the current economic crisis, nominations are pouring in for this year’s Annual Business Awards. Every year, the Chamber of Commerce honours the contributions of outstanding Bahamian businesses and executives to the business community. This year will be no different, as Bahamian businesspersons will vie for the distinguished titles of Outstanding Businessperson of The Year and Developing Entrepreneur of the Year. Two leading Bahamian businesses will be designated Company of the Year, which is awarded in two categories, businesses with over fifty employees and those with less.
Last year’s prestigious Business Person of the Year Award went to Eileen Carron, C.E.O. of the Tribune Media Group. Leading businesswoman, Mrs. Carron, was recognized for building a successful media empire and immense contributions to journalism in the Bahamas. The Tribune Media Group owns The Tribune and 100 Jamz and also manages three other radio stations. Mrs. Carron, a recognized living legend, was also the first woman C.E.O. of a radio station in the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
“This year presents a very unique situation as Bahamian businesses have had to respond to the current economic crisis; for many, this is the very first time they are dealing with a market slowdown. Innovation and creativity have been key for those businesses that have shown growth and remained profitable and we look forward to recognizing the efforts of those businesses and individuals that continue to make meaningful contributions to our economy,” explained Philip Simon, the Chamber’s Executive Director.
The Developing Entrepreneur Award salutes the business pioneer who has established a business in the private sector within the past five years with at least one full year of operation. Last year, this award went to Christian Sawyer, president of Sunryse Shredding Services,
the first document destruction company to be established in The Bahamas
.
John Bull was presented with The Chamber’s 2008 Business of the Year Award Category A (51 or more employees). The Chamber’s Category B 2008 Business of The Year Award went to Eagle Electrical Supplies & Lighting Center.
The Chamber’s coveted 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to leading businessman, Franklyn R. Wilson, CMG, Chairman of Sunshine Holdings Group of Companies and a Chartered Accountant by profession. Wilson was recognized for his untiring efforts towards the development of the local business community.
Successful businesses and businesspersons who are growing and excelling and meet the judging criteria are eligible for nomination. Nominations are being accepted through May 22, 2009 and information is available through the Chamber of Commerce.
The Annual Business Awards will be presented during the Chamber’s 38th Annual Awards Banquet and Silent Auction scheduled for Saturday, June 27 at Sandals Royal Bahamian. The banquet culminates Chamber Week, which begins on June 22, 2009. The week’s events also include the highly anticipated business-networking event Mix N Mingle on Tuesday, June 23 and the Meet the Ministers forum on Thursday, June 25.
Bahamas Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization, which represents a wide cross-section of private sector businesses in The Bahamas.
