Sold out event packs Delta Grand

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce’s “Destination Excellence” Gala Awards evening saw 12 winners hoist their trophies at a sold-out event for 475 people at the Delta Grand.

“We had a great evening, celebrating twelve outstanding businesses, and learning about their organizations and those of all 36 finalists through video stories throughout the evening,” said Chamber President Nikki Csek.  “The icing on the cake was applauding Jeff Stibbard of JDS Group – lucky Award Number thirteen – as he accepted his Business Leader of the Year honour, and hearing his unforgettable acceptance speech. Every year our Awards just get better and better.”

“Particularly notable,” Csek continued, “was having one company score at the top in two award categories:  not only was Valens GroWorks Corporation the winner in Large Business of the Year; their CEO Tyler Robson took home the hardware for Young Entrepreneur of the Year.”

“Our independent judging panel ensured that we recognized the best of the best in 2019,” said Csek.  On behalf of our event co-sponsors Business Development Bank and Farris LLP – and all our multiple award and event sponsors – I congratulate all the winners. Kelowna is a great place to do business and celebrate home-grown success.”

And the winners are:

RISING STAR AWARD (Sponsored by Argus Properties)

Cannary Packaging Inc.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT AWARD (Sponsored by Hergott Law)

Kelowna Museums Society

MARKETING CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR AWARD (Sponsored by Pushor Mitchell LLP)

Predator Ridge Resort

SOCIAL LEADERSHIP AWARD [for-profit business] (Sponsored by Interior Savings Credit Union)

Boyd Autobody & Glass

MICRO BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by CWB [Canadian Western Bank])

Serviss Wealth Management

SMALL BUSINESS AWARD (Sponsored by Prospera Credit Union)

The Peacock Sheridan Group

MID-SIZED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by BDO LLP)

Hergott Law

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP)

Valens GroWorks Corp

NOT-FOR-PROFIT EXCELLENCE AWARD (Sponsored by Kelowna Foundation for Hope and Social Innovation)

Central Okanagan Community Food Bank

TECHNOLOGY INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by UBC Okanagan)

Agents of Discovery

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR (Co-sponsored by YLW & EIA International Airports – Kelowna/Edmonton)

Tyler Robson of Valens GroWorks Corp

BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR FOR 2019 (Sponsored by MNP LLP)

Jeff Stibbard, JDS Group