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 32nd Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala on November 1st.
“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 1st 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 32nd 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
Finalists in each category:
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 3rd 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]
Not-for-Profit Excellence
- BC SPCA Kelowna
- Central Okanagan Community Food Bank
- Society of Hope
Sponsor: Kelowna Foundation
Social Leadership (for-profit business)
- Boyd Autobody & Glass
- Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit Union
- Kot Auto Group
Sponsor: ISCU [Interior Savings Credit Union]
Marketing Campaign of the Year
- Predator Ridge Resort
- Sayvee Creative Inc.
- Valens GroWorks Corporation
Sponsor: Pushor Mitchell LLP
Arts & Entertainment Achievement
- Kelowna Museums Society
- Kelowna Pride Society
- Studio9 Independent School of the Arts Society
Sponsor: Hergott Law
Technology Innovator
- Agents of Discovery
- Hybrid Elevator Inc.
- Perfit Dental Solutions
Sponsor: UBC O [University of BC Okanagan]
Excellence in Tourism
- Kelowna Concierge
- Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm
- Volcanic Hills Estate Winery
Sponsor: Tourism Kelowna