DAN PRICE
KELOWNA – The Kelowna Chamber has opened its 2023 nominations intake for the 36th
annual Business Excellence Awards program, Rise Above. Business owners, entrepreneurs and others
now can take part in the nomination and application process through https://gammatech.wufoo.com/forms/2023-business-excellence-awards-nominations
Applicants may apply for two of the sixteen categories listed below. All award applications are reviewed by the Chamber’s independent judging panel, and Finalists’ places of business are visited by judges prior to decisions on award winners and runners-up. Applications are welcomed from businesses and organizations in Kelowna and area.
“This process is an enormous undertaking for the Chamber,” said Chamber Chair Dan Price. “Excellence in business practices, equity, diversity & inclusion, ethical business procedures, strong human relations support – many considerations go into the judges’ reviews.”
“Kelowna’s growth of businesses, residents, and educational opportunities has meant that we are seeing local businesses and not-for-profits excel, rising above ongoing economic and other challenges. We look forward to seeing which companies and which individuals take home the hardware in 2023,” Price concluded.
Winners will be announced at the Gala November 17th at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort. Finalists will be named at a Nominee Event in October celebrating two Finalists in each of the sixteen categories.
One additional Award, Business Leader of the Year, will be determined by the judges. In 2022, the Award went to Brea Lake of Accelerate Okanagan.
Title Sponsors for the Program are Lawson Lundell LLP & Interior Savings.
Nominations are now open and will remain open until 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday September 20. Application packages will be sent to everyone who is nominated and are due back for judges’ review by Thursday September 21.
Categories for Awards in 2023 include:
Arts & Entertainment Excellence – An individual, business, organization or a particular event that contributes to a vibrant community by celebrating arts, culture and/or heritage.
People’s Choice Business of the Year – A business or organization that is selected by the public as best business of the year.
Excellence in Community Impact – A business, society or organization that has demonstrated significant involvement within the community.
Excellence in Business Ethics – All businesses and organizations (profit or non-profit) must be in good standing with BBB and must have a B or higher rating, however BBB Accredited Business status is not a requirement for consideration.
Not-for-Profit Excellence – A non-profit organization that has demonstrated significant excellence in the community.
Technology Innovator of the Year – An individual, business, organization or a particular event that achieved a significant technological innovation.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year – An entrepreneurial individual, aged 40 or under who has been in business for at least 3 years, demonstrating exceptional leadership.
Excellence in Tourism – A business that has consistently delivered a top-quality product/service that has enhanced tourism/hospitality locally and provincially.
Excellence in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion – Awarded to a business that, through their leadership and efforts, have or undertaken action to create and promote a diversified and inclusive workplace.
Rising Star Business of the Year – A new business that has been in operation for less than 3 years and is not a franchisee.
Small Business of the Year 1-15 employees (full-time or part-time)
Mid-Size Business of the Year 16-50 employees (full-time or part-time)
Large Business of the Year 51+ employees (full-time or part-time)
Excellence in Environmental Impact – Awarded to a company whose business practices embrace innovative approaches and techniques which are cutting edge in producing environmental sustainability.
Excellence in Agriculture – Farming or food processing business that has distinguished itself and shown leadership by promoting the betterment of agriculture and/or food production in our community. Indigenous
Business of the Year – This business has showcased the best of Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, & Inuit) entrepreneurship. This business is majority owned by an indigenous person(s), community or organization.
Business Leader of the Year Sponsored by: MNP LLP