MEDIA RELEASE
December 2, 2021
KELOWNA CHAMBER BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Rock’n Resilience Finalists announced as 45 businesses move forward
Kelowna: The 2021 Kelowna Chamber Business Excellence Awards moved into the final judging phase with announcement of 45 Finalists at a virtual event for all nominees and sponsors on Thursday: three finalists in each of 15 categories. A complete list is included here.
“Rock’n Resilience is an apt descriptor of our 2021 businesses who are up for the hardware in this most unusual of years,” said Dan Rogers, Executive Director of the Chamber. “We’ve heard and seen remarkable stories of how to adjust to the new economic realities of 2021, and we know our judges will be able to give us even more insight about surviving in the midst of one of the most unusual business years in history. We look forward to our big night in February, even though slightly delayed.”
Business Leader of the Year will be announced in late January 2022 by the independent judging panel.
Nominees totalled 205 for the awards, including:
- Rising Star Business: 20
- Small Business of the Year: 39
- Mid-size Business of the Year: 13
- Large-size Business of the year: 12
- Environmental Impact: 17
- Excellence in Agriculture: 8
- Arts & Entertainment: 9
- Social Leadership: 14
- Excellence in Business Ethics: 8
- Not for Profit: 26
- Young Entrepreneur: 6
- Excellence in Tourism: 10
- Inclusive Workplace: 7
- Indigenous Business: 9
- Excellence in Business Ethics: 7
Winners will be announced at a Gala in the second week in February. The province’s announcement this week on capacity limit increases meant that some reorganization of the event is underway to allow for a major in-person celebration. More details as to exact date, location, and ticket availability will be announced by the Chamber in the next few weeks.
For more information: Dan Rogers, Executive Director, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce dan@kelownachamber.org
BACKGROUNDER
Finalists: 2021 Kelowna Chamber Business Excellence Awards
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Rising Star Business Sponsor: Argus Properties Barn Owl Brewing HUB Office Furniture Inc Vigilante Marketing |
Small Business of the Year Sponsor: Prospera Credit Union Modern PURAIR Potentia Human Resources Inc. Strut Footwear & Apparel |
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Mid-size Business of the Year Sponsor: Canadian Western Bank Benson Law LLP Coe & Company Electric Ltd. Tranq Sleep Care |
Large-size Business of the Year Sponsor: Grant Thornton LLP Ace Plumbing & Heating (Bricor Mechanical Ltd.) Cintas Canada Ltd Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union |
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Environmental Impact Sponsor: PARC Retirement Living Ecora Resource Group Ltd Miss Tulips Green Dry Cleaner The Best Western Plus Hotel & Suites |
Excellence in Agriculture Sponsor: TD Benefits Solutions FloraMaxx Technologies Ltd. SpearHead Winery Summerhill Pyramid Winery |
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Arts & Entertainment Sponsor: Hergott Law Festivals Kelowna New Vintage Theatre Uptown Rutland Business Association |
Not-For-Profit Excellence Sponsor: BOYD Autobody & Glass Habitat for Humanity Okanagan Kelowna Gospel Mission Meals On Wheels |
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Indigenous Business of the Year Sponsor: Pushor Mitchell LLP Moccasin Trails Okanagan Select Salmon Valley West Dental Centre |
Social Leadership Sponsor: Rogers Communications Crasian Food Truck Hampton Pools & Landscape Level Up Strategies |
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Young Entrepreneur Sponsor: Secure-Rite Mobile Storage Crasian Food Truck Harmony Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic Vista Academy |
Technology Innovator Sponsor: UBC Okanagan Acres Enterprises Ltd. FloraMaxx Technologies Ltd. The Valens Company |
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Excellence in Tourism Sponsor: Edmonton International Airport & Kelowna International Airport O'Rourke's Peak Cellars Oyama Zipline Adventure Park Smile Cycle Tours
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Inclusive Workplace Sponsor: RBC Inspire Property Management Ltd. TKI Construction Ltd. Tranq Sleep Care |
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Excellence in Business Ethics Sponsor: BBB Miss Tulips Green Dry Cleaner Secure-Rite Mobile Storage TKI Construction Ltd. |
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD SPONSORS INCLUDE:
Presenting Sponsors:
Farris LLP
Interior Savings Credit Union
Diamond Sponsor:
Crowe Mackay LLP
Wine Sponsor:
Summerhill Pyramid Winery
Printing Sponsor:
Wayside Press
Business Leader of the Year:
MNP LLP
Media Partners:
Bell Media
Kelowna Now