ARTICLE

Date ArticleType
10/18/2012 Media Releases
2012 Business Excellence Recipients Announced

 

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 18, 2012

2012 Business Excellence Recipients Announced

KELOWNA, BC –

The recipients of the six 2012 Business Excellence Awards were announced last evening (October 17) at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort & Conference Centre as the 17 finalists, their guests and community leaders celebrated 25 years of business excellence in Kelowna.

The recipients of the six 2012 Business Excellence Awards were announced last evening (October 17) at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort & Conference Centre as the 17 finalists, their guests and community leaders celebrated 25 years of business excellence in Kelowna.

Nancy Cameron, President and CEO, Tourism Kelowna was honoured as the 2012 Business Leader of the Year, the prestigious award sponsored by Ian Stuart & Associates.

Rock House of Design Inc. (Sam Shakura and Cheryll Gillespie) was the recipient of the 2012 Rising Star award sponsored by FortisBC. This award is for companies that have been in business less than three years. Finalists: Crescendo, Optic Signs & Marketing Inc.

Small Business Award (1 - 10 employees) sponsored by Prospera Credit Union
Recipient: Leone Industries (Sylvain Leone)
Finalists: Centralaire Ltd., Distinctly Kelowna Tours

 Mid-Size Business Award (11 - 30 employees) sponsored by BDO Canada LLP
Recipient: Vineyard Networks (Jason Richards)
Finalists: Plan B Headquarters

Large Business Award (31+ employees) sponsored by MacKay LLP
Recipient: JDS Energy & Mining Inc. (Jeff Stibbard)
Finalists: Andre’s Electronic Experts  

Community Impact Award sponsored by Urban Systems
Recipient: Kelowna Community Food Bank (Vonnie Lavers) 
Finalists: Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers Society, Crossroads Integrative Addiction Services, Fresh Outlook Foundation

Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award sponsored by Brent Eilers Real Estate
Recipient: CJ Wilkens of Optic Signs & Marketing Inc. 
Finalists: Joel Kutschera of Vital Waters Inc., Sam Shakura of Rock House of Design Inc.

"We salute those who have recognized a business opportunity, seized it and prospered," says Karen Hawes, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce President. "The accomplishments and dedication of all the finalists honoured last evening are impressive and their stories inspire us all. We are proud of the contributions these exceptional business leaders have made in our community."

Presented by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and Platinum Sponsors the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP, the popular Kelowna event is part of the annual

Small Business Week® activities (October 14 - 20, 2012).

For the past 33 years, Small Business Week® has paid tribute to Canadian entrepreneurs and created opportunities for them to share success stories and innovative ideas with the active participation of members of the Chambers of Commerce and BDC branches across the country.

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce acts as a single powerful voice for their 1200 members and their 25,000 plus employees to promote local business interests. The Chamber provides a cohesive business network for its members to expand their business contacts, value-added benefits, programs, and services aimed at improving the bottom line of Chamber members. Their mission is to foster a positive business environment by providing members with leadership, advocacy and services of value. 

For more information call: 
Dicky Dack
Operations Manager
Kelowna Chamber of Commerce
250-469-7350
dicky@kelownachamber.org