KELOWNA, October 22, 2015 - Thirty-five finalists were honoured at the 28th Annual Business Excellence Awards presented by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and Platinum Sponsors the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP  last night at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort. 


 "It was a fabulous event with recognition given for significant accomplishments in our business community," stated event-goer, Michael Lowen. Guests were treated to a 3 course dinner, a James Bond-esque Jazz performance by internationally-renowned singer, Anna Jacyszyn and commentary by jovial morning-radio duo, David & Tony of K96.3.  Eleven recipients were presented with awards among a crowd of 350 supporters. 

 

The Business Excellence Award Recipients for 2015:

  1. RISING STAR AWARD: Cottage Quilting Ltd.
    Sponsored by: FortisBC
     
  2. MICRO BUSINESS AWARD (1-3 employees): CareSmart Seniors Consulting
    Sponsored by: Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board
     
  3. SMALL BUSINESS AWARD (4-15 employees): Bellamy Homes
    Sponsored by: Prospera Credit Union
     
  4. MID-SIZE BUSINESS AWARD (16-50 employees): SK Form & Finish Inc. 
    Sponsored by: BDO Canada LLP
     
  5. SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AWARD: Habitat for Humanity
    Sponsored by: Urban Systems Ltd.
     
  6. YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD:  AJ Hazzi, Vantage West Realty Inc. 
    Sponsored by: Accelerate Okanagan
     
  7. SUSTAINABILITY AWARD: Summerhill Pyramid Winery
    Sponsored by: Interior Savings Credit Union
     
  8. DISTINCTION IN HOSPITALITY & TOURISM AWARD: Hotel Eldorado
    Sponsored by: Tourism Kelowna
     
  9. MARKETER AWARD: martketer inc.
    Sponsored by: Pushor Mitchell LLP
     
  10. TECHNOLOGY/INNOVATION AWARD: TELUS
    Sponsored by: UBC Okanagan
     
  11. LARGE BUSINESS AWARD (51+ employees): Emil Anderson Construction    
    Sponsored by: Grant Thornton LLP
     
  12. BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR: Theresa Arsenault
    Sponsored by: MNP LLP
 

Speeches by recipients were educational, heartfelt and meaningful and nominees everywhere were seen congratulating each other. "Although we did not win, we feel extremely proud to make it into the finals and be among the brightest minds of our business community," beamed Yoree Grozenok, Owner of 1-800-GOT-JUNK and Finalist in the Sustainability Category.   "We are very humbled and honored to win the Mid-size Business of the Year award," gushed Angie Kraushar of SK Form & Finish, "Our team had an incredible night".


This year's Award Ceremony was a great reflection of the passion, entrepreneurial & community spirit of our region as well as further proof of yesterday's statistical release naming Kelowna second best place in the Nation to start a business. 

 

-KCC