The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting is Thursday, Oct. 25, which mean it’s time for nominations for the yearly business award winners.

The nominating process is open to chamber members as well as the general public. Review the categories and email OrcasAwards@Gmail.com with your nominees, and a few sentences explaining why you’ve nominated them. Your comments will be reviewed and voted upon by the Orcas Chamber’s board of directors to decide the winners. The deadline is Friday, Oct. 19 at 5 p.m.

Businesses and organizations that are chamber members and individuals who are affiliated (employees or volunteers) with those chamber members are eligible for nomination. You can even nominate yourself. The prior year’s winners are not eligible for the same category this year. Feel free to nominate one or more per category. Have a question, or are not sure who is eligible for nomination? Contact the Chamber of Commerce office at 360-376-2273. The categories are as follows.

Community Service Award

Honors a member who makes contributions to the community a priority. They give their time and service back to Orcas Island in a way that benefits the community. Last year’s winners: Orcas School District Board Members Tony Ghazel, Scott Lancaster and Chris Sutton.

Environmental Excellence Award

Recognizes a member that utilizes environmentally-friendly and sustainable practices in its day-to-day operations. They go that extra step to make sure their operations are compatible with our beautiful environment. Last year’s winner: The Exchange and Orcas Recycling Services.

“Island Friendly Spirit” Award for Customer Service

Honors a member who makes customer service and the “customer experience” a priority. Good customer service is the lifeblood of any business; it is all about bringing customers back, and about sending them away happy. These nominees do all of this, and more. To visitors and fellow islanders, these chamber members make commerce on Orcas Island a positive, memorable experience. Last year’s winner was Orcas Island Market.

Business Innovation and Creativity Award

Recognizes a member who took a chance on a new idea or concept in the marketplace. They realized that the business climate changes and that “shaking it up” a little bit is good for business. These nominees will likely continue to surprise us in the future. Last year’s winner was Orcasong Farm.

Business Marketing Award

Honors a member who realized that to stand out in today’s world a bit of marketing wizardry is needed. Whether it’s traditional media, new media, or something entirely unique, these nominees took action and brought attention to their business or organization in a noteworthy fashion. Last year’s winners were: Cole and Stephanie Sisson of Doe Bay Wine Company.