Fanfare Greets Finalists

Kelowna Chamber 2019 Business Excellence Awards

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce announced three finalists in each of twelve categories at a jam-packed luncheon today in the run-up to its 32^nd Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala on November 1^st.

“We had 275 nominated businesses this year,” said Chamber President Nikki Csek. “Of those, 121 completed their application package. Now our independent judging panel has brought the list down to three finalists in each category, and a total of 36 businesses will vie for the hardware on Friday night November 1^st at the gala. I can’t wait to see the outcome – all the finalists are outstanding.”

Judges will now visit all finalists’ places of business. Video interviews and footage of each finalist ‘at work’ is shot and compiled for viewing at the gala. Winners will be revealed throughout the evening at an event that sees increasing attendance every year. 2019’s theme for the high-profile event is Destination Excellence: Celebrating those driving Kelowna’s success.

“This year’s theme marks a broader look at where we are as a community,” says Csek. “Kelowna is more than a big player in the region, and in the province. National and International companies are setting up shop here and local businesses are expanding their reach across the world. As this is our 32^nd year of highlighting local companies and organizations, we celebrate their excellence in providing products and services of value right here in our hometown.”

The Business Leader of the Year is selected by an independent committee and will be named a few weeks in advance of the November Event, co-sponsored by BDC and Farris LLP. 

Awards are open to companies, organizations and not-for-profit groups which operate within the Central Okanagan.  

For more information, visit: kelownachamber.org/bea. #KelownaBizEx2019

Rising Star (less than 3 years in business)

• Cannary Packaging Inc.
• Parke Pacific Projects Ltd.
• Thick as Thieves Entertainment

Sponsor: Argus Properties

Micro Business (1-3 employees)

• Galleria Fashions
• Serviss Wealth Management
• Sherpa Group Events Inc.

Sponsor: CWB [Canadian Western Bank]

Small Business (4-15 employees)

• Hampton Pools & Landscape
• Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm
• The Peacock Sheridan Group

Sponsor: Prospera Credit Union

Mid-size Business (16-50 employees)

• Blair Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
• Hergott Law
• SweetLegs Clothing Inc.

Sponsor: BDO LLP

Large Business (51+ employees)

• Boyd Autobody & Glass
• Valens GroWorks Corporation
• Vitalis Extraction Technology

Sponsor: Grant Thornton LLP

Young Entrepreneur (Under Age 40)

• Cassidy deVeer of 3^rd Generation Homes Ltd.
• Ranjit Takhar of Evergreen Building Maintenance Inc.
• Tyler Robson of Valens GroWorks Corporation

Co-Sponsors: YLW International Airport; EIA International Airport [Kelowna/Edmonton]