Nominations for the 2018 Mark of Excellence Awards are now open.

The annual gala hosted by the Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce has seen some tweaks for the new year.

"We are excited to announce three new categories," said Executive Director Stacey Poss. "The Export Award, the Innovation and Technology Award, and the Growth and Expansion Award. They are replacing the Small and Big Business Awards."

The Export Award will go to the business demonstrating exceptional performance in exporting Saskatchewan goods or services nationally or internationally. For Innovation and Technology, the award is for a business that demonstrates excellence in the utilization of an innovative product, technology, or system which has tangible contribution to improved sales and/or productivity.

For Growth and Expansion, the award simply goes to a business that has made significant changes in their business which has resulted in growth or expansion. The changes can relate to job creation and/or investment.

"We are trying something new this year. We are trying to reflect what is happening in our region for business," said Poss. "We know there are businesses in our district that are exporting, being innovative, using technology, or that have grown and expanded."

"We are hoping you can help us to recognize their efforts and inspire our region to look to the future."

Returning categories eligible for nominations are: New Business Venture, Entrepreneur of the Year, Community Involvement, Community Merit, Marketing, Service, Business Hall of Fame, Citizen of the Year, and Junior Citizen of the Year.

The nomination deadline is January 9, 2018. The awards ceremony will be held on March 7.