DEREK GRATZ
KELOWNA – The Kelowna Chamber recently announced all finalists in their 38th annual Business Excellence Awards at the Rotary Centre for the Arts.
Many award nominees were in attendance at the event, anxious to hear if their names were called from the stage by Chamber organizers and the numerous judging committees.
“This pre-gala event reminds us that we are nearing the finale of our favourite program this year,” says Chamber President Derek Gratz. “The awards provide an in-depth picture of local business leaders, raising the profile of successful innovators in our community, ensuring that the hard work and creativity of our local stars is recognized throughout the area.”
New this year is the Top Sales Professional of the Year award, which gives a nod to one of the leading professions in the Okanagan.
The last pre-gala waypoint is the announcement by the Chamber of the 2025 Business Leader of the Year, chosen independently by the judges; the announcement will be made October 14.
The gala – Power Play: A Night of Champions – is Thursday October 30 at the Delta Grand hotel; registration at www.kelownachamber/events
LIST OF FINALISTS BY CATEGORY 38TH ANNUAL BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Excellence in Agriculture
Days Century Growers Inc.
AgriForest Biotechnologies Ltd.
Helen’s Acres
Excellence in Arts & Entertainment
Aesthetiks LAB
DK Productions
New Vintage Theatre
Excellence in Business Ethics
Hero Security Company Ltd.
Vinyl Pursuit Inc
Touchstone Law Group
Excellence in Community Impact
Kelowna Women’s Shelter
Canadian Mental Health Association- Kelowna
Purppl
Excellence in Environmental Impact
Unbounded Canada Foundation
Kimco Controls
Excellence in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Harmony Chiropractic & Wellness
KCR Community Resources
OCCA Communities Association
Excellence in Not-for-Profit
The Southern Interior Construction Association (SICA)
Downtown Kelowna Association
OCCA Communities Association
Excellence in Tourism
Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery
Holly Jolly Travel Co
Big White Ski Resort
Indigenous Business of the Year
Bebia Cho Foods Co.
Kekuli Cafe Coffee-West Kelowna
Métis Financial Corporation of BC
Large Business of the Year
Troika Developments
Hero Security Company Ltd.
Evergreen Building Maintenance Inc.
Mid-size Business of the Year
YLWKelowna Concierge Ltd.
Greenstep Solutions Inc.
Trufinity Ltd
Rising Star Business of the Year
Cabin 5 Granola
Roobear Kids
Loyly Floating Sauna
Small Business of the Year
Hiilite Creative Group
Body Bar Laser Clinic
Pine Lighting
Technology Innovator of the Year
Acres Enterprises Ltd.
SYNC Robotics Inc.
Dr. Phone Fix
Top Sales Professional of the Year (Inaugural)
Dan Brown-Royal LePage
Shannon Stone – REMAX Stone Sisters
Michael Wu – Genesis Kelowna
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Gabi Goossen-FILL Kelowna’s Refill Store
Jillian Haller-Kelowna Concierge Ltd.
Mitchell Goodwin-GW Hoops
Derek Gratz is President of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce
