It's just about time for the Third Annual Kimberley Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. This year's awards gala is slated for April 9 at the Kimberley Conference and Athletic Training Centre.

"We're going to be the first event since they installed the sound panels in the ballroom," said Chamber Manager Sioban Staplin. "We're really looking forward to the evening."

This particular incarnation of the Business Awards have proven quite popular and Staplin is hoping to grow it even more this year.

The easiest way to vote is to go online to http://www.kimberleychamber.com and hit the link to the awards. Nominations are open until this Friday, March 4, after which general voting will begin.

Tickets are $45 plus HST which includes a prime rib dinner with wine. Call the Chamber at 250-427-3666 to book your ticket.

The evening begins at 6 pm for cocktails and a mingle and the formalities and dinner should be complete by 9 pm, after which there will be entertainment by Counterpoint.

The Chamber is grateful for the sponsor support they receive for this event each year.

There are still a couple of awards available for sponsors; the Creative Professional Excellence Award and the Retail Business of the Year Award. Sponsorship opportunities also exist for table wine and entertainment.

Other sponsors include Kimberley Daily Bulletin (Business of the Year award), Tourism Kimberley (Tourism Excellence award), Overwaitea Foods (Food & Beverage Industry Excellence Award), David Bellm & Co. Insurance (Tradesperson-Contractor of the Year award), The City of Kimberley (Community Booster Award), St Eugene Golf Resort Casino (Employee of the Year Award), Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook (Environmental Stewardship Award), RBC Royal Bank (Entrepreneur of the Year Award), Mountain Spirit Resort & Spa Professional Services Excellence Award), B104 and The Drive (Youth Friendly Business Excellence Award).