Finalists for the 2018 Mark of Excellence Awards have been announced.

The Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce unveiled the list on Friday, featuring 30 businesses, organizations, or individuals in the area who have made their mark on the industry.

As announced in November, there are two new categories for this year. 

The inaugural Growth and Expansion award will be given to a business who has made an effort to change or expand their business relating to job creaton or investment.

HSA Chartered Professional Accountants, Infinite Creations, Canadian Organic Spice & Herb, and the Lanigan & District Ambulance Association are the first nominees up for the award.

Also new is the Innovation and Technology award, which will go to a business that has demonstrated excellence in the utilization of an innovative product, technology, or system.

Two nominees are up for the award - Campbell Greenhouse and Shine Media.

The two new awards replace the Large and Small Business of the Year categories, which had been around since the inaugural gala.

Bob Pitzel will be inducted to the Business Hall of Fame. Pitzel created Graphic Ad in 1971 and ran the business until selling it in 2004.

Tickets for the March 7 gala go on sale later this month.

2018 Mark of Excellence Nominees

New Business Venture
Delwood Spray Foam, Fire Alert, Humboldt Public School Childcare Centre, Twisted Tails Bar & Grill

Entrepreneur of the Year
Robbie & Tracy Reifferscheid (Infinite Creations), Colleen Haussecker (Canadian Organic Spice & Herb), Joseph Dosch (Prairie Diesel)

Marketing
Century 21 Diamond Realty, Delwood Spray Foam, Viking Benefit Solutions

Service
Humboldt Public School Childcare Centre, Office Experts Office Pro, Prairie Diesel, Strueby Plumbing & Heating

Community Involvement
Graphic Ad, Hergott Farm Equipment, Misty Gardens, Bolt FM

Community Merit
Elizabeth's Place, Lanigan & District Ambulance Association, LeRoy Leisureland, Three Lakes Economic Development Region, Watson Community Club.