MEDIA RELEASE
October 14, 2020
Virtual Celebration of Chamber Finalists
Kelowna Chamber 2020 Business Excellence Awards
Kelowna: The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce announced 32 finalists in thirteen categories at a virtual celebration of business excellence today in the run-up to its 33rd Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala on November 26.
“Our independent Chamber judging panel reviewed all completed applications from the 146 nominations we received since mid-summer,” said Chamber President Jeffrey Robinson. “This final list represents the best of the best who will vie for the hardware at our virtual gala November 26. All the finalists are outstanding, and we are inviting our thousand-strong Chamber membership to tune in and follow the action. Even though the usual gala excitement will be on a different plane, the excellence of the companies and individuals remain outstanding.”
This year, judges will combine in-person visits with virtual reviews of all finalists’ places of business. Video profiles of each finalist at work will be compiled for online viewing prior to November 26. Winners will be revealed throughout the Resiliency-themed event.
“Business success in 2020 requires excellence in all areas of operation, and we have seen this drive some remarkable stories of resiliency this year. We are fortunate that Kelowna continues to attract national and international companies, while home-grown businesses accelerate their expansion into new markets. The Chamber is proud to help grow the people who power Kelowna, and we celebrate their prowess 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 in early November. Co-presenting sponsors in 2020 are Farris LLP and Interior Savings Credit Union.
Awards are open to companies, organizations and not-for-profit groups which operate within the Central Okanagan.
For more information, visit: kelownachamber.org/bea. #KelownaBizEx2020
BACKGROUND – ALL FINALISTS
Rising Star Business of the Year – less than three years in business
- TasteAdvisor
- You Are Collective
- Shambhu’s Spice House Cuisine of India
Sponsor: GreenStep Solutions
Small Business of the Year – 1-15 employees
- Portia-Ella
- Twirling Umbrellas
- DEW IT Solutions
Sponsor: Prospera Credit Union
Midsize Business of the Year - 16-50 employees
- Kelowna Hyundai
- Secure-Rite Mobile Storage
- TKI Construction Ltd.
Sponsor: BDO LLP
Large Business of the Year – 51+employees
- Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing Corp.
- Current Taxi Ltd.
- Highstreet Ventures Inc.
Sponsor: Grant Thornton LLP
Not for Profit Excellence Award
- The Bridge Youth & Family Services Society
- Childhood Connections
- BC SPCA
Sponsor: Impact Tomorrow Foundation
Social Leadership Award - for profit
- Kelowna Hyundai
- BalAnce Well-Being Centre Inc.
- Secure-Rite Mobile Storage
Sponsor: Rogers for Business
Marketing Campaign of the Year
- Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing Corp.
- Okanagan Lifestyle Apparel
- Okanagan Bucketlist
Sponsor: Pushor Mitchell LLP
Arts & Entertainment Achievement Award
- Kelowna Pride Society
- Studio9 Independent School of Arts Society
Sponsor: Hergott Law
Technology Innovator of the Year
- Hybrid Elevators
- The Valens Company
- Perfit Dental Solutions Inc.
Sponsor: The University of British Columbia Okanagan
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
- Jaclyn Robertson from Okanagan Lifestyle Apparel
- Julie Michaud from Portia-Ella
- Brandon Panopoulos from TKI Construction Ltd.
Sponsor: TD Benefits Solutions
Ethics in Business
- Inspire Property Management Ltd.
- Secure-Rite Mobile Storage
- TKI Construction Ltd.
Sponsor: Better Business Bureau
Inclusive Workplace Award
- Hampton Pools & Landscape
- Mario’s Towing Ltd.
- Kelowna Pride Society
Sponsor: Crowe Mackay LLP Diamond Sponsor
Excellence in Tourism
- Paynter’s Fruit Market Ltd.
- Big White Ski Resort Ltd.
- Myra Canyon Ranch
Sponsor: YLW & EIA International Airports
Business Leader of the Year Award
Sponsor: MNP LLP
The Award winner is chosen by the Independent Judging Committee and will be announced at the beginning of November.
Other Business Excellence Sponsors in 2020 include:
- Farris LLP and Interior Savings Credit Union – Co-presenting sponsors
- Crowe Mackay LLP – Diamond Sponsor
- TELUS – Platinum Sponsor
- Fortis – Platinum Sponsor
- PARC – Pacific Arbour Retirement – Platinum Sponsor
- TD Bank Group – Premier Sponsor
- Bell Media – Media Sponsor
- KelownaNow – Media Sponsor
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Dan Rogers, Executive Director, Kelowna Chamber