THE Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) this week announced the nominees for its annual awards ceremony to be held on Thursday, March 21 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

The ceremony celebrates local companies that have excelled in meeting their corporate goals and objectives over the last year. The theme for this year's event, 'The Next 50... year 1', was chosen by the JCC to symbolise the beginning of Jamaica's journey towards another 50 years of Independence, the organisation said, noting that it aims to play an integral role as it continues to acknowledge, support and develop local businesses by highlighting their achievements.

In its 31st year, the JCC Awards will feature Best of Chamber Awards in three categories: Large, Medium and Small. The nominees are: Large — Jamaica International Insurance Company, Jamaica Biscuit Company and Seprod; Medium — Cari-Med, Main Event Entertainment Group and Tastee Jamaica Limited; and Small — Airport Authority, Prism Communications and Credit Info Jamaica.

Last year's winners were Digicel, Spanish Court Hotel and Jamaica Energy Partners in the Large, Medium and Small Business categories respectively.

"As usual, choosing just three companies per category was difficult, but I feel we have a fantastic slate of nominees who are all very well deserving," JCC third vice-president Catherine Kennedy said about the selection.

"These awards are to honour our members for the fantastic work they've done throughout the year in building their organisations and giving back to their communities," she added.

Sponsors for the function so far include Scotiabank, the Jamaica Observer, Exim Bank, COK, Microsoft Jamaica, Mayberry Investments, JMMB and Blueprint Consulting.

Blueprint Consulting Managing Director Deane Shepherd, who is responsible for soliciting sponsorship for the awards, said "It is good to see so many new and returning sponsors, as their support is integral in allowing the event to surpass its fund-raising targets. We are still contacting prospective companies to come on board, as the awards present an excellent opportunity to expose brands and companies to key stakeholders in the Jamaican business community."