PRINCE GEORGE – What does it mean to be an ambassador? The dictionary defines ambassador as “the highest-ranking person who represents his or her own government while living in another country.” While this word has traditionally been used to describe the official role of someone who has been appointed as a representative, it is also often used today to refer to an unofficial exemplar of a place; one who embodies the best features of where they live. This is the meaning of ambassador we are using for a special award category in the Prince George Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
The “Hell Yeah Prince George Ambassador Award” is given to an individual who has in some way demonstrated a commitment betterment and promotion of the positive aspects of Prince George. This award was introduced at last year’s Business Excellence Awards, alongside the ten traditional categories. It reflects a growing movement to celebrate the people and places that make Prince George such a vibrant place to live. Nowhere is this pride more apparent than among the nearly 27,000 people who make up the “Hell Yeah Prince George” Facebook community. The group started about a year and a half ago as a space where people could share or give a “hell yeah” to awesome people, places or events. It has become hugely popular and influential, with more and more people joining the community. A “Hell Yeah Good News Feature of the Week” now appears in the Prince George Citizen, and there are plans for the group to publish its first print magazine.
Partnering with the Hell Yeah community was a natural fit for the Prince George Chamber of Commerce. We want to promote Prince George as an exciting and diverse place to live and do business. The image of our city to outsiders is important to the businesses that operate here, as well as to those who might be considering setting up in Prince George.
With our Business Excellence Awards, we want to celebrate not only the businesses that are doing exceptional things in the community, but also the people who go above and beyond to positively represent Prince George. That is why we created the Hell Yeah Prince George Ambassador Award. This award is also unique because the selection process takes place entirely online. Nominees’ names are submitted by the Facebook community. Nominations for the Ambassador Award will open on August 28th on the Hell Yeah Prince George Facebook page. Four semi-finalists will then be chosen and announced at our Nominees Luncheon on September 17th. Voting will take place online during the week leading up to the Awards Gala on October 24th and will continue during the event until just moments before the award is presented. We encourage everyone to get involved in recognizing Prince George’s outstanding ambassadors!
On the topic of ambassadors, Chamber Past President Ranjit Gill and I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Society in Vancouver on August 12th. It was the representatives’ first visit to Prince George. They are touring northern and central BC as a way to build relationships, and create awareness about the culture and economic and political climate of Taiwan. It was beneficial to learn about Taiwan’s governmental structures, trading relationship with Canada, and their strong commitment to education. Taiwan is a major trading partner for Canada, and imports a large amount of BC wood. The country is also very keen on developing educational partnerships all over the world. The representatives expressed an interest in returning to Prince George sometime in the winter, and possibly holding an event for Chamber membership. We look forward building this relationship, and any potential opportunities that might develop.
– Christie Ray is the CEO of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at christie.ray@pgchamber.bc.ca.
