Excellence Awards.

The top three nominees in each of the 15 categories were notified last week in a surprise "Clearinghouse Fashion'', said VIP organiser Stacey Evans.

"Video clips were taken of the nominees when they first received the announcement that they were in the running,'' she added.

"They were not sent letters or notices in advance, the VIP's camera crew simply popped up at the nominees' place of work and shared the exciting news via a congratulations card and waited for the reactions which were caught on video.

"These video clips will be shown in an Academy Awards-style ceremony held on Saturday, November 27, at the Southampton Princess Amphitheatre.'' All 45 finalists will be honoured at a certificate presentation and cocktail reception held at 6.30 p.m.

The 15 overall winners will be announced after the Excellence Awards Dinner at 9 p.m.

Prizes include trips for two and 18-karat gold VIP Excellence Awards pins created by Astwood Dickinson.

The Tourism Minister's Best of the Best Award will be awarded to one of the 15 winners who will receive additional prizes including a $20,000 money market fund donated by the Bank of Butterfield.

Tickets are available at $75 and can be obtained by calling Ms Evans at 232-1847 or from the Chamber of Commerce after November 17.