Surrey was one of six communities honoured by the provincial government for being small-business friendly.

The new annual province-wide award was based on how local governments reduced regulatory barriers, enhanced competitiveness, recognize small business's contribution to the community, and climate initiatives that support small business.

B.C.'s Most Small Business Friendly Community award was given to Surrey, Kamloops, Ladysmith, Prince Rupert, Quesnel and Rossland.

NOMINATE AN ENTREPRENEUR

Nominations are now open for the Successful You Awards Contest.

The ninth annual awards celebrate the top small businesses across the province. Entrepreneurs will be honoured in six categories for the contributions they make within their own communities and to the greater economy.

This year there are two new awards as well: Best Community Impact and Best Online Marketer. Also new this year, all entries must be self-nominated, and the business owners must then campaign for votes through social media, word of mouth, email and other means.

The nomination and voting period runs from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 with the finalists announced on Dec. 13 and the winners crowned on Jan. 30. See successfulyou.ca.

OPPAL JOINS BOARD DIRECTORS

Surrey Board of Trade welcomes two wellknown faces to its board of directors.

Wally Oppal and Jock Finlayson have been appointed as board members for the 2011-2012 year.

Finlayson is an author, commentator on economic and policy issues and a member of several advisory bodies established by the provincial government.

Oppal is a former judge and provincial politician who is currently serving as chancellor of Thompson Rivers University, and commissioner of the missing women inquiry.