VERNON – The best of Greater Vernon’s business and community leadership was celebrated at the 2016 Business Excellence Awards on Friday March 11th. Presented by Valley First Credit Union, this year’s event drew a record crowd of close to 350 to recognize the top businesses and organizations in fourteen different categories including the Business of the Year which went to Nolan’s Pharmasave. The family owned business has been in operation since 1927. Nolan’s also won the Customer Service Award.
“Each of our award winners represent dynamic organizations who have given back to the community in many ways,” says Tracy Cobb Reeves, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce president. “We congratulate them and also acknowledge the many more who were nominated.”
Olive Us Olive Oil and Vinegar Tasting Room also picked up two awards, winning the Small Business of the Year Award and the Tourism Excellence Award. The latter award was in recognition of their dedication to promoting all that Vernon and area has to offer to the many tourists that drop by their store.
Barrita Durward of Cotton’s Chocolates was named Business Person of the Year while the Community Leader Award went to Deb White of White House Mortgages. The inaugural People’s Choice Award was won by Rollin’ Spring Rolls. It was the only award to be determined through online voting. All other awards were selected by an independent panel of judges.
Other companies being recognized included VantageOne Credit Union which won Employer of the Year. The Green Business of the Year went to Interior Freight & Bottle Depot. The Manufacturer of the Year was Universal Packaging. Nicholas Alexander Landscaping & Design was named the New Business of the Year while Watkin Motors which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2015, was tabbed as Newsmaker of the Year.
The Non-Profit of the Year was Upper Room Mission and Benita Poggemoeller of B Frank Marketing was named the Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Many of the organizations and individuals that were recognized have contributed greatly to the well being of the community for many years and the evening provided an opportunity for the Chamber and the entire community to celebrate that dedication and commitment. A highlight of the evening was the video’s that were produced to showcase all the finalists. The videos are available for viewing through the Greater Vernon Chamber’s website at www.vernonchamber.ca.
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The Chamber is pleased with the steps being taken by the City of Vernon to encourage development and with word the City wishes to meet to further explore ways to make housing more attainable in the city and region.
A committee of the Chamber of Commerce representing the residential construction and development sector made a presentation to city council last month, questioning processing times, development fees, and the lack of available land that is driving up the cost of housing for the average family.
Chamber president Tracy Cobb-Reeves says the city has agreed to meet and look at the issues and find solutions.
“We’re really pleased with the level of due diligence that they did in addressing the presentation that was made by Big Red (The Chamber business improvement group – real estate and development). We’re really pleased they are addressing all the points, and with the outcome to hold the meeting.”
The Chamber applauded recent improvements that expedite development applications which have made the City more attractive for investment but the Chamber continues to believe more can be done. The Chamber continues to encourage all local governments in the area to look for ways to improve their regulatory processes with the aim of becoming more competitive in attracting young families to the area.
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In other news, the North Okanagan was buzzing with word that Lumby was selected among the top two in the 2016 Kraft Hockeyville Contest. Voting on the eventual winner wrapped up on March 21st and no matter the final result, Lumby is celebrating the fact that they will be receiving significant funds ($100,000) to upgrade their hockey arena which of course will create some economic activity in the small community just east of Vernon. As the only BC community in the top ten, Lumby was pulling out all the stops to get all of BC behind them in their final push.
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Finally, we want to welcome the newest members of the Greater Vernon Chamber Graycon Group and Allegria Homes Inc.
– Dan Rogers is the General Manager at the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce and can be reached at manager@vernonchamber.ca.