Organizers of the Portage la Prairie Chamber of Commerce Annual Best Business Awards Gala are looking for outstanding businesses and individuals worthy of recognition for their work in the community ahead of Friday's nomination deadline.

Chamber executive director Cindy McDonald says the organization is encouraging people to nominate anyone who works to help make the community a better place to be.

"This is the opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievements of the businesses and the people that make this community great," McDonald says. "It gives us the opportunity to acknowledge those individuals that inspire volunteerism and it's the same with businesses. There are so many great businesses in the community and it's a great opportunity to say thank you and recognize them."

McDonald adds both businesses and volunteers are important in building a better community, and the gala is a way of recognizing positive contributors.

"A lot of businesses support non-profits and support events, and in turn the volunteers make those events happen," she says.

Individuals can be nominated for their work in various areas of the community, including sports, arts and culture, and youth volunteerism. Businesses are categorized based on size, and the best small, medium and non-profit organizations, among others, will be considered for their outstanding community achievement. Winners will be selected at the seventh annual Best Business Awards Gala Nov. 24.

You can find out more information about the awards categories, and find nominations forms here.