MICHAEL MAGNUSSON
PENTICTON – During a night of celebration at the Penticton Lakeside Resort, the Penticton Chamber’s 36th Annual Business Excellence Awards presented by Total Restoration Services recognized the outstanding contributions and achievements made by local businesses, not-for-profits, and individuals this past year.
This was the fourth year in-a-row that Total Restoration Services has been the presenting sponsor; something the Chamber is grateful for and is another glowing example of the community support Total Restoration Services provides to organizations and causes throughout Penticton.
Ten awards were handed out encompassing a variety of categories such as best new business, community support, service excellence, and business of the year to name a few. Each nominee was reviewed by a selection committee made up of fourteen business and community leaders and included interviewing each finalist as well as reading through their detailed nominee submission package. Judges then entered their assessments independently of each other into a computer program called Awardify that compiled those results to determine the winners. This process helps prevent any unintended influence from one judge to another to the point where each judge has no idea who won until they were announced.
“The common theme that we heard from the judges was how many amazing businesses we have in Penticton, and how the judging process really opened their eyes into the contributions the nominees have all made into our city,” stated Terri Phillips, Events and Marketing Coordinator for the Chamber and the organizer of the Business Excellence Awards.
“The highlight for me was to meet with the business owners and to hear them add color to their business story. Each one of the businesses that made it to the finalist round absolutely deserves to be there. The toughest part of the judging process was to choose the better than the best,” said Priya Sachdev, judge and founder of Sprouting Shoots.
Blaze King won Business of the Year
In his address, Mayor Bloomfield commented that Penticton was known throughout the province for punching above its weight, with a lot of that credit due to our business community.
The evening was hosted by Darrell Richards of Sinister Speed Co., who provided a great mix of humour, stories, and connection with the sold-out audience of over 300 people. Anona Kampe of the Penticton Indian Band sang the Okanagan Song, and Miss Penticton Princess Elena Collins sang O Canada.
After dinner, the awards were presented to the following winners:
OneSky Community Resources won the Workplace Culture Excellence Award, sponsored by South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services.
Since 1966, OneSky has provided a range of social services and community programs for individuals and families at every stage of life throughout the South Okanagan-Similkameen. Operating from a core belief that “diversity is our strength,” OneSky is committed to providing an inclusive approach to service delivery and workplace culture.
IGA Penticton won the Community Support Excellence Award
IGA Penticton won the Community Support Excellence Award, sponsored by Penticton Western News.
For more than 65 years, community involvement has been a pillar of IGA’s ethos. We help countless community groups including youth sports, mental health, food inequality, the United Way, Kidney Foundation, OSNS, and more. Whether we are behind our massive BBQ at an event or donating food, you can bet to see the IGA logo out in our community!
The Concorde Retirement Community won the Service Excellence Award, sponsored by Kettle Valley Memorial.
The Concorde, housing 95 seniors, is a Verve Senior Living Community. They value residents, staff and volunteers as family, with an extraordinary team of caring and dedicated individuals. Their longstanding commitment to support and advocate for seniors, and families is a testament to why they received Canada’s Best Managed Company Award in 2023, in providing Independent, Assisted, and Subsidized Housing.
Barley Mill Brew Pub won the Hospitality Excellence Award, sponsored by Travel Penticton.
At Barley Mill, Family’ is not merely a theme; it’s their way of life. They nurture connections with guests, encouraging their team to infuse personalities into each visit. Committed to their community, they offer innovative programs, support local talent, and maintain a vibrant online presence. Since 1982, Barley Mill thrives as a Penticton staple, warmly welcoming both locals and tourists.
The Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen won the Not-for-Profit Excellence Award sponsored by Omland Heal Chartered Professional Accountants.
Established in 1991, the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen has been a force for positive change. With a focus on ‘Giving Choices’ and ‘Funding Change,’ their vision extends to creating inclusive, vibrant communities throughout the South Okanagan Similkameen. They fulfill their mission by connecting ideas, time, and resources with community needs and opportunities, shaping a brighter future for all.
Graphically Hip won the Marketing and Communications Award, sponsored by the Downtown Penticton Business Improvement Association.
Graphically Hip is a brand-first, full-service marketing one-stop-shop. They take pride in serving companies like Area 27 and Penticton Indian Band. At the heart of everything they do is their community. With a strong emphasis on giving back, it’s easy to see why almost 700 businesses chose Graphically Hip for their marketing needs.
The Hub on Martin won New Business of the Year, sponsored by Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union.
The Hub on Martin transforms from a neighborhood pub by day into a vibrant music venue at night. Every Friday and Saturday, showcasing live music and weekly events like karaoke, wing, and vinyl nights. They offer a full menu seven days a week. Now booking for Christmas, call to book your party. The HUB is the place to Eat, Play and Dance.
Dr. Shayna Laird of Penticton Chiropractic & Co. won Young Professional of the Year, sponsored by JCI Penticton and Seven Elk Shipping Inc.
Dr. Shayna Laird has been a business owner and pioneer for Chiropractic care in Penticton since 2016. Alongside Dr.’s Chris and Shona Hackett, she recently opened Penticton Chiropractic & Co., where they offer a wide range of therapies and services for the whole family. Dr. Shayna specializes in pregnancy, postpartum and infant care, bringing a fresh and modern perspective to Chiropractic in the South Okanagan.
Jane Long-Haggerty of Long-Haggerty Chartered Professional Accountant Inc. won Business Leader of the Year, sponsored by TD Canada Trust.
Jane Long-Haggerty is the owner of Long-Haggerty CPA, a CPAWSB facilitator, mom, and wife. With numerous accolades for her leadership and technical savvy, Jane’s most cherished achievement is transforming her firm into a non-profit powerhouse, dedicated to enriching the community. Her commitment extends beyond her profession, as she offers a safe home for those in need, whether its youth or furry friends.
Blaze King won Business of the Year, sponsored by Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen.
Since 1977, Blaze King Industries has defined winter evenings, uniting families around the warmth of their hearths. Their mission: crafting super-efficient, eco-friendly hearth products that endure. Blaze King’s wood stoves boast extended burn times and remarkable heat output, requiring a fraction of the wood used by competitors. Committed to environmental stewardship, they exceed EPA emission standards. With an expansive dealer network, Blaze King delivers unmatched warranty, friendly service, and expertise, ensuring enduring comfort and satisfaction.
The David Kampe Legacy Award was given to the family of the late Harry McWatters, who was a pioneer and visionary that helped start the BC wine industry. Accepted by Darrien and Cathie McWatters, Darrien said her father instilled the legacy that “it’s about the community and the industry. Without those, we wouldn’t have our own business.”
At the conclusion of the awards, the audience got out of their seats and was treated to the amazing talents of Andrew Johns, who is most recognized as the singer-pianist in the Elton John tribute show “Yellow Brick Road Experience,” but can also sing Billy Joel, Queen, Rolling Stones, Journey, Van Morrison, and more.
Michael Magnusson is the Executive Director of the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber Of Commerce