The Chamber has confirmed an eligibility oversight. Now another local business person may have an opportunity to be recognized.
When I saw that a sitting elected official was one of three finalists for the Generation Private Wealth–Harbourfront Wealth Management Business Person of the Year award, I had a question about the award's eligibility rules. Rather than speculate, I asked the Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber's response
On September 8, I contacted the Chamber, the finalist and Generation Private Wealth, whose name appears on the award. I asked the Chamber, “Should ANY elected official be permitted to be a nominee?” I also asked whether the finalist would consider withdrawing to give another business person an opportunity to be recognized.
The Chamber said it would review the nomination against its published criteria. On September 11, Chamber executive director Acacia Pangilinan confirmed there had been an oversight.
“We confirm that our governing policy and related nomination criteria do not allow elected officials to be considered for this award.”
The Chamber said it had notified its selection committee and put additional safeguards in place to prevent a similar oversight in the future.
That was quick, easy, and I'm satisfied with that response. The Chamber promptly looked into my concern and corrected the eligibility issue.
An opportunity for someone else
The Chamber hasn't said whether another eligible nominee will now be selected to fill the third finalist position.
I hope another nominee is selected. The purpose of these awards is to recognize people who contribute to Kamloops' business community.
If another eligible nominee is given the opportunity to become a finalist, they'll have another chance to share their story and have their work recognized by the community.
That's a worthwhile opportunity.
Municipal Election 2026
It's important for all of us to get out there and vote. Please vote only for candidates you truly believe are deserving of a seat at the council table. If that's only one or two of them, those are the only ones you should vote for.
Editorial Disclosure: I contacted the Chamber about the award after noticing an eligibility question involving one of the finalists. I have previously written about Kamloops municipal politics and elected officials, including the finalist.
The Chamber subsequently confirmed that elected officials are not eligible and described the finalist's inclusion as an oversight.
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