Board president Peter MacLellan says nominations for the business awards came in at a record pace.
He added that the board was delighted that Furey had agreed to give the highlight remarks at this year’s event and appreciated the provincial government’s willingness to assist in area business promotion.
Business activity in the Digby area has been trending up this year, he said, and pointed to the announcement of a replacement ferry for the Digby to Saint John service, the increasing activity and global interest associated with several renewable energy initiatives in the area, and the facility improvements and business bustle associated with the Port of Digby as just some of the encouraging indicators that commercial confidence has returned to the area.
The 11 awards categories to be presented today are:
• Life achievement award
• Hospitality
• Tourism excellence
• Community contribution (business)
• Community contribution (non-profit)
• Customer service
• Environmental service
• The Ian Russell Entrepreneur Award
• Business excellence (NSBI Trophy)
• Export achievement
• Rising star business