If you are planning to nominate someone for the Duncan-Cowichan Chamber of Commerce's Black Tie Awards, this is your final chance.
Nominations close Saturday, Jan. 31.
"At the start of January, we get five to 10 nominations in per week but now I'm getting 10-15 a day as of this week so it is picking up," said Elizabeth Croft, membership and events manager for the Chamber.
She said they haven't decided to move the deadline because there is often a last-minute rush.
However, if you have been thinking of a nomination, it's time to move or you'll miss your chance.
"January is practically over.
Saturday at midnight is the deadline."
The categories include customer service, sponsored by Cardino Shoes, young entrepreneur, sponsored by Coastal Community Credit Union, business achievement one to 10 employees, sponsored by Island Savings, business achievement 11 to 19 employees, sponsored by Jim Tyson of Investors Group, business achievement 20 or more employees, sponsored by MNP, green business award, sponsored by Economic Development Cowichan, art in business award, sponsored by Brentwood College School, and volunteer of the year award, sponsored by Excellent Frameworks.
There's already no doubt about the Lifetime Achievement Award.
That is going to popular Valley sports figure and tireless volunteer Bill Keserich, who will be feted by his grateful community at the glittering ceremony on Saturday, April 11 at Brentwood College.
The best way to get your nomination for a Black Tie award in at this late date is to go online to blacktieawards.com where there is an online form. Or if you would prefer to do something in hard copy, you can download the form and then fax it or even bring it in. You can also print off the form and then scan it and email it in.
"We'll take it however you can get it to us," Croft said.
Tickets for the event are already going out the door, too, although the real rush for the big night comes after the finalists have been announced, she said.