Small businesses are the thriving heart of many British Columbian communities. In fact, ninety-eight percent of all businesses in British Columbia are small businesses which employ less than fifty people.
I know this to be true in Williams Lake and Quesnel where many small businesses provide unwavering, grassroots support to our communities.
They help to provide jobs for our neighbours and friends, support municipal taxes and initiatives, sponsor our children’s sports teams, and allow our communities to also thrive.
In short, small businesses have allowed Williams Lake and Quesnel to flourish.
At a gala dinner on March 14, the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce recognized some of these small businesses at the Business Excellence Awards.
Awards were given out for seven different categories. Community members submitted the names of local businesses as nominations and then a panel of five judges selected the winner in each category after assessing each nomination on merit.
I would like to congratulate the winners and all of the other nominees and also recognize the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce for supporting and promoting small businesses throughout the South Cariboo region.
I look forward to seeing small business throughout the South Cariboo continue to grow and thrive.