– Tom Dyas is the President of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. To find out more information about the organization please visit www.kelownachamber.org.
KELOWNA – October was a time to celebrate the winning businesses in Kelowna at the 29th annual Business Excellence Awards. Hosted by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, thirty finalists vied for ten “best of” awards.
Video interviews with finalists, filmed at the finalist’s place of business, entertained and informed the crowd of 400 guests at the Delta Grand. The buzz in the room was, “Wow, I had no idea we had that kind of business right here in Kelowna.”
Tony Stewart, CEO of Quails’ Gate Winery entertained the crowd as he accepted his Business Leader Award from MNP LLP. A bullish supporter of all things Okanagan, Tony spoke about his vision for a culinary centre of excellence, including a school for chefs, winemakers, hotel training and all things ‘Napa North’.
Thunderous applause gave his vision credence, and supported his long-time concept for establishing Kelowna as a true wine, food, arts and outdoors experience, with homegrown and trained experts delivering top-rated product.
Urban Systems presented the Rising Star Award to BNA Brewing Co. & Eatery, one of the city’s hottest new destinations for cool food and locally brewed craft beer.
Prospera Credit Union took the stage to award Highstreet Ventures, Inc., the Small Business Award; Highstreet is working on a large rental project on KLO Road.
Diversified Rehabilitation Group, specialists in employee and Family Wellness Programs (and new partners with the Kidney Foundation’s Organ donor program) received the Mid-Sized business Award from BDO Canada.
Interior Savings had the honour of giving Two Hat the Social Entrepreneur Award for its pioneering work in automating online safety, and reducing harassment and abuse.
The Young Entrepreneur Award went to Rachel Clarida, Principal of Hatch Interior Design, awarded by the Kelowna International Airport.
The Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board handed out the Sustainability Award to Evergreen Building Maintenance.
The Distinction in Hospitality and Tourism Award was presented to Gray Monk Estate Winery & Vineyards, by Tourism Kelowna.
Csek Creative, a long-time Kelowna marketing firm, which incorporates the online Kelowna Now, took home the Marketer Award, sponsored by Pushor Mitchell LLP. Csek’s three tables of staff and friends were vocal in their support.
The University of British Columbia – Okanagan had the pleasure of handing the Technology/Innovation Award to the two-year-old WTFast, builders of technology around internet gaming.
The final award of the night went to long-time Kelowna company Sun-Rype Products, the Large Business Award, sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP.
As always, the Delta Grand Okanagan provided a wonderful, service-oriented, sophisticated backdrop to the evening, and everyone appreciated the on-time performance, and being able to go home at 9:00 p.m. – although the hotel’s new bar area remained busy for several hours as finalists and winners alike celebrated with supporters.
The Chamber truly appreciated celebrating Small Business Month with the stellar Awards event, four more events during Small Business Week October 17-21, and hosting two notable luncheons in October.
This year’s Award ceremony was a noteworthy reflection of the passion of the business community for all things business- and entrepreneur-related in Kelowna. High quality finalists and stellar winners, made possible by our dedicated membership base and rigorous adjudicating process.
See you in November!