Large Business of the Year and many of their staff. Renee Merrifield, CEO, holding trophy.

KELOWNA – Four hundred business and community leaders were on hand as Troika was named the 2025 Large Business of the Year at the 38th Annual Kelowna Chamber Business Excellence Awards on Thursday night at the Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort.

Troika was founded by CEO Renee Merrifield in 2000. Merrifield was Kelowna’s first woman developer, creating some of the city’s most innovative communities. Troika has delivered more than 3,000 homes, developed 1,200 acres of land, and created 300,000 square feet of commercial space from Kelowna to Merritt, Prince George, Edmonton, Regina and Winnipeg.

Other category award winners include Days Century Farms (Agriculture); Roobear Kids (Rising Star), and SYNC Robotics (Tech Innovator). A complete list of award recipients is below.

“I always hear about companies new to me at the Business Excellence gala,” said Derek Gratz, Chamber President. “This year’s awards were no exception, with some hardworking newcomers winning awards alongside some Kelowna companies we’re all familiar with. In every case, the judges rewarded outstanding excellence, and it was a tough assignment, given the remarkable results and community support all the finalists achieved in this past year.”

“Troika is committed to housing diversity, sustainable design, and community building – all thoughtfully designed. Trying to help to solve the housing crisis, one home at a time,” says Merrifield. “It’s all about the team.”

Kelowna mayor Tom Dyas helped open the celebration, congratulating nominees, winners, and especially the 2025 Business Leader of the Year, Michael J. Ballingall of Big White Ski Resort.

The Memorial Cup was also on display at the gala, garnering lots of selfies, and oohs and aahs from guests. The Chamber themed its 38th annual awards gala “A Night of Champions” to honour the upcoming Memorial Cup coming to Kelowna in May 2026. The chamber is working closely with the Memorial Cup team as the Chamber prepares to celebrate its 120th anniversary throughout 2026.

2025 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Business Leader of the Year
Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President, Big White Ski Resort Ltd.

Excellence in Agriculture
Days Century Growers Inc.

Excellence in Arts & Entertainment
D.K. Productions

Excellence in Business Ethics
Vinyl Pursuit Inc.

Excellence in Community Impact
Kelowna Women’s Shelter

Excellence in Environmental Impact
Kimco Controls

Excellence in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Harmony Chiropractic & Wellness

Excellence in Not-for-Profit
The Southern Interior Construction Association (SICA)

Excellence in Tourism
Big White Ski Resort Ltd.

Indigenous Business of the Year
Kekuli Café Coffee-West Kelowna

Large Business of the Year
Troika

Mid-size Business of the Year
Solutions Inc.

Rising Star Business of the Year
Roobear Kids

Small Business of the Year
Pine Lighting

Technology Innovator of the Year
SYNC Robotics Inc.

Top Sales Professional of the Year (Inaugural)
Shannon Stone – RE/MAX Stone Sisters

Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Mitchell Goodwin-GW Hoops

Derek Gratz is President of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce