Here’s a news release from the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry about its nominees for the small and large business of the year, as well as the winners of the non-profit and green business of the year:
The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry announced on Tuesday, Oct. 16 the names of the nominees for the Chamber’s Small Business of the Year and Large Business of the Year as well as the winners of the Non-Profit and Green Business of the Year.
The nominees for Small Business of the Year are Alicia’s Bridal, Bellingham Bells, Data Link West and Favinger Plumbing.
The nominees for Large Business of the Year are Airporter Shuttle, Express Employment, Ram Construction, Saturna Capital and VSH, CPA’s.
The criteria for Small and Large Business of the Year is based on company management, longevity in the community, community service and contributions exceeding the scope of the company’s mission, economic stability, ethics and integrity, growth of the company, new jobs created in the community, upward mobility for employees, and companies who put resources and energy back into Bellingham and Whatcom County.
The 2012 Non-Profit Business of the Year is Blue Skies for Children. The Non-Profit Business of the Year is based on many of the same criteria as the Small and Large Business but highlights non-profit organizations doing outstanding work in our community.
The 2012 Green Business of the Year is Sanitary Service Company. The Green Business of the Year is a Whatcom County business that has demonstrated through its product, business plan, and general operational practice to help reduce waste, pollution or address other environmental issues.
Winners of the Small and Large Business of the Year and the Man and Woman of the Year will be announced at the Chamber’s 8th Annual Awards Banquet on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at the Best Western Lakeway Inn and Conference Center.
Proceeds of the banquet benefit the Blue Skies for Children and the Whatcom Chamber Foundation.
I guess I’m confused about what the Bham Chamber of Commerce actually does. Do they get any taxpayer $?
Hi Say What,
Most of the organization’s funding is through business membership (It has around 650 members) and it’s role is to be an advocate for the business community. It has received some public funding in the past for “public/private partnerships,” such as Ski to Sea when they operated it.
Here’s a list of other stuff they do: http://www.bellingham.com/about-the-chamber