It won't be long before the Okotoks Chamber of Commerce hands out the hardware, showcasing the efforts of local businesses during the Business Excellence Awards next month.

There will eight major awards to hand out at the gala event.

Chamber CEO Cheryl Actemichuk says the awards used to have more individual categories, but the Chamber decided to keep the awards focused on businesses as a whole.

"Through growing and learning, and educating ourselves about what the chamber is supposed to be doing, we've come to realize that our mandate is to support local business," she says. "There is still a category for somebody to nominate some that gives superior service, but the main intention is to focus on the businesses."

The awards gala costs $75 for chamber members and $90 for non-members and Actemichuk says it's quite the night for those who are in attendance.

"You get a beautiful dinner; we call it our red carpet event," she says. "We call it our Grammy Awards and you come in and there's a red carpet, there's a champagne reception and it's very, very nice. It's just a great way to support the community."

To top the event off someone, and not necessarily a chamber member, will be driving away in a brand new car.

"There's going to be an opportunity for people to purchase keys and there will be 100 keys and at the end of the night, one of those keys is going to be able to drive away in a brand new Honda Civic."

You can get your Business Excellence Awards Tickets here.

The event is Wed. Oct. 7 at the Best Western Plus.

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