The Gimli Chamber of Commerce will be shining a spotlight on Gimli and area businesses and individual entrepreneurs that went above and beyond during its upcoming 2nd Annual Heart of Business Awards (HOBA), and it’s inviting people in the community to nominate a business.
HOBA recognizes businesses for their dedication and efforts to sustain and drive economic prosperity in the municipality.
Building on the great success it had last year during its inaugural awards, the chamber is scaling up with the addition of two extra awards this year.
Chamber president Samantha Hampton said the awards recognize that “commerce connects community” and that the hard-working entrepreneurs should be recognized for their contributions to building up their economies.
“The Heart of Business Awards is more than a gala: it’s a reminder that behind every storefront, farm, fishing vessel, service truck and volunteer effort are people who care deeply about our community,” said Hampton, who runs her own promotions company in addition to chamber duties “When we pause to recognize that, we strengthen morale, we build pride and we remind one another that what we do here truly matters.”
There are 12 awards categories this year including Entrepreneur of the Year, Leadership in Diversity & Inclusion, Tourism & Hospitality Excellence, Non-Profit Organization of the Year, After Hours Excellence Award and Interlake Impact.
The Trades in Action Award and the Agriculture & Fisheries Achievement Award are new.
The trade award recognizes tradespeople and trade-based businesses which deliver dependable service and keep the region “strong, safe and thriving.”
The agriculture and fisheries award recognizes producers who demonstrate excellence in their trade, show strong leadership, responsible land and water stewardship, and a commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. Producers could also be recognized for innovation, contributions to local and regional food systems and job creation.
In today’s busy world, it’s not often that entrepreneurs are told how much they’re appreciated and Hampton said the chamber awards give voice to that sentiment.
“How often do we actually stop and tell someone they’re doing a great job? This is our opportunity to do exactly that. As one of last year’s nominees said, ‘Even if I don’t win, just to be recognized is a win in itself,’” said Hampton. “That’s the heart of this event, lifting people up, strengthening community spirit and celebrating the businesses and organizations that go above and beyond every single day.”
The chamber’s 2025 gala event and awards ceremony sold out, with tickets getting scooped up almost as fast as a Taylor Swift concert. Entrepreneurs and businesses from communities outside Gimli such as Arborg and Riverton were among the nominees and recognized for their successes.
Hampton said sponsorship support is appreciated. Each award is sponsored by a local organization or business, and the sponsor can present the award at the gala. Non-chamber members can also sponsor an award.
“This event relies on the strength and generosity of our business community. We are incredibly grateful to our continued sponsors and to those new partners who have reached out after seeing the ripple effect last year,” said Hampton. “Without them, this evening wouldn’t be possible. Their support allows us to shine a spotlight on excellence and celebrate the commerce that connects our entire region.”
The chamber is committed to transparent and unbiased judging, said Hampton. The chamber’s board of directors serves as the judging panel. There’s also an independent third-party observer overseeing the entire process. The judging includes independent reviews of nominees, roundtable discussion, anonymous voting, defined judging criteria and confidentiality agreements. The nominators are also kept confidential.
Nominations for a HOBA close on March 16. People can nominate a business or entrepreneur using an online form that’s available at www.gimlichamber.ca or on the chamber’s Facebook page. Or they can scan the QR code on the nominations poster.
The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 18 at the Gimli Lakeview Resort. Ticket sales open March 1.
