PATTI NOONAN
ARMSTRONG – Another record number of finalists have been announced for the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce Community Excellence Awards Wednesday May 4. As of the deadline, 101 businesses, organizations, employees and/or volunteers were nominated in 10 categories – many with more than one nomination received.
Sponsored by Community Futures North Okanagan, the winners will be announced at the ‘Blue Jeans and Bling’ event at Farmstrong Cider Co., followed by an evening of fun and networking including a show by Kinshira Performance Troupe.
“We will be recognizing the best in our community – local businesses and community members that have demonstrated a pursuit for excellence in service and innovation,” said Sean Newton, chamber president. “The awards also promote responsible leadership, mentoring and volunteerism within the community.”
The nominees are:
Rossworn Henderson LLP ‘Rising Star’ : Armadillo Trailers, Armstrong Farm Co., Bloom Flower Festival, Heritage Kitchen, House of Armstrong Bean & Brew, Kindale Daycare, Okanagan Bike Co., Rusticana Rentals, Sparrow Grass Field & Flower, Spyce Delivery Service, The Pink Rock Ice Cream Shop, Wood Mountain Naturals Pet Products.
VantageOne Credit Union ‘Micro Business of the Year’: Beacon Electric, Chris Heidt – Tekamar Mortgages, Rhythm Productions, Your Country News, Seed Computers, Bernie’s Turbo Spice, Canadian Royal Antique Post, Fincas Margarieta’s Coffee, Frosted Tier Cakes, Frugal Frocks, Joyce’s Signs, Om Naturals, Saddle Up Magazine, Sunridge Designs, Back to Bed Mattress, Green Lion Farms, Sea Stars Kids Boutique, TNJ Plumbing & Heating.
Blackwell Building Movers ‘Small Business of the Year’: Armstrong Bakery and Sandwich Shop, Armstrong Flower & Gift, Bosley’s By Pet Value, Gathering Grounds Thrift, Integrity Traffic Control, Monashee Outdoors, OK Tire Armstrong, One Stop Automotive, Overlander Restaurant, Patricia Paterson CA, Senad Sijercic – Notary, T-Mann Mechanical, Twisted Purl Yarn Studio, Your Dollar Store with More – Armstrong.
Community Futures North Okanagan ‘Mid Size Business of the Year’: Armstrong Optometry, Armadillo Trailers, Nelson’s Glass, Overlander Golf & Events Centre, Red Apple, Rancho Vignola,Swanson Mountain Fitness.
Hub International Insurance ‘Corporate Business of the Year’: Armstrong Pharmacy & Wellness Centre, Armstrong Regional Co-operative, Armstrong Veterinary Clinic, Askews Foods – Armstrong, Country West Supply, Farmstrong Cider Co., HS Masonry, Shepherds Home Hardware & Outdoor Living Centre.
Shepherds Home Hardware & Outdoor Living Centre ‘Employee of the Year’: Erin Odwory – Armstrong Pharmacy & Wellness Centre, Cathy Thomlinson – Country Bakery, Colton Syrota – Farmstrong Cider Co., Megan Hunter – Farmstrong Cider Co., Brett Zak – Ok Tire Armstrong, Darryl Davis – Shepherds Home Hardware & Outdoor Living Centre, Nancy Gray – Rancho Vignola, Rachel Lichiti – The Wild Oak Café.
Hytec ‘Revitalization & Innovation Award’: Armadillo Trailers, Armstrong Kin RV Park, Farmstrong Cider Co., House of Armstrong Bean & Brew, Wood Mountain Natural Pet Products, Shepherds Home Hardware.
Township of Spallumcheen ‘Hospitality and Tourism Award’: Armstrong Farmers’ Market, Armstrong Kin RV Park, Bloom Flower Festival, Bluegrass Farm B&B, Caravan Farm Theatre, Farmstrong Cider Co., Historic O’Keefe Ranch, Valley First Music in the Park, Owl’s Nest B&B, Pleasant Valley Wetlands Heritage Park.
Okanagan Restoration Services Ltd. ‘Organization of the Year’: Armstrong Food Bank, Armstrong & District Curling Club, Armstrong Lions Club, Armstrong Pride Society, Armstrong Spallumcheen Bargain Bin, Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Department, Armstrong Spallumcheen Trails Society, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #35 Armstrong,
City of Armstrong ‘Volunteer of the Year’ : Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Department, Jim Martin, Linda Fisher, Lisa Westoby, Louise Burton, Rubin Weins, Susan Wilson, Willow & Phoenix Glimm Cannon.
“These awards are an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the dynamic and diverse group of people who make an important contribution to the quality of life in Armstrong and Spallumcheen.” said Patti Noonan, Executive Director. ‘We are pleased with the record number of nominations this year, but more so, the amount of thought put into some of the submissions.
In addition to a trophy designed by Final Touch, each winner will receive a gift basket sponsored by Rancho Vignola.
Doors open at 5 pm with an hour of networking, followed by dinner at 6pm. The award presentations will begin at 7pm featuring emcee Sean Newton.
The evening will wrap up with a ‘Fire Show’ performance by Kinshira Performance Troupe at approximately 8:30 followed by the opportunity for more networking and celebration.
In addition to the grand prize draw for a ‘Sparkling Hills Resort Couples Experience’ in keeping with the ‘Blue Jeans and Bling theme, there will also be a fundraiser to support the Peter Rotzetter Young Entrepreneur Bursary and the Chelaine McInroy recovery efforts. There will also be some fun costume prizes for those who attend ‘in theme’.
‘An event such as this could not happen without support from our local business community. Thank you to our event sponsors Community Futures North Okanagan & Rancho Vignola in addition to our category sponsors,’ said Cheryl Hood, Vice President, ‘in addition to Frosted Tier Cakes and Bloom Flower Festival who have provided some additional perks during the event.’
A limited number of tickets for the event are available until May 1 $35 per person – at the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce or online at Eventbrite.
Patti Noonan is Executive Director of the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce and can be reached at manager@aschamber.com