The Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting nominations for the Business of the Year and the Organization of the Year awards.
The nomination period closes, September 20, at 12pm. And the chamber plans to present the awards at the chamber’s General Membership luncheon meeting, planned for Wednesday, October 9.
The selections for the awards will not be announced publicly until the awards meeting. Office Coordinator for the chamber, Elizabeth Mendia told the Kern Valley Sun last Friday, “We have six nominations. I don’t think we’ll say who is nominated.”
The chamber often gets a hand full of nominations, for the same group. She said, “That’s okay. Sometimes we even feel like they’re lobbying, and all got together and sent in nominations, which is fine.”
People are allowed to nominate more than one organization or business. “As of right now there is no restriction on the number of nominations. It’s fully up to you,” Mendia said.
At the nominations web page there is a download for the form or nominations can be made online. https://www.kernrivervalley.com/businessandorganizationawards
This year the chair for the committee, deciding the winners, is Kat Barnum, who volunteered to step up when the former chair had to step back from the position.
Last year’s Business of the Year winner was Paradise Cove Lodge. From 2014 to 2023, previous winners included: Mount Mesa Market, Thomas Refuse, Red Rooster Cafe,
Barnes Bargains, Golden State Surplus, Starlight Lounge, Grocery Outlet, Red’s Marina, AltaOne FCU.
Last year’s Organization of the Year was Kern River Valley Historical Society. From 2014-2023 previous winners included, South Fork Women’s Club, American Legion Post 711, All for One Movement, Kern Valley Search & Rescue, Lake Isabella & Bodfish Property Owner’s Association, Sheriff’s Activity League, Kern River Conservancy, SOS Dog Rescue, and One Spade Youth Packers.
Mendia said that there is no rule preventing previous winners from being nominated again.
The chamber provides suggested criteria to assist the award committee in making a determination of winners, however the committee is allowed to use whatever criteria they determine based upon the committee’s own judgement. Generally there are three members on the committee, which the chairperson recruits.
