WEST KELOWNA – The Greater Westside Board of Trade hosted its 16th annual Key Business Awards Gala on Thursday, November 2 at 19 Okanagan Grill + Bar at Two Eagles Golf Course.
“Despite the weather, we had another sold out attendance. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to Title Sponsor, 3BP Solutions, Event Sponsor Valley First, our corporate sponsors and judges,” says Chair Bobby Gidda.
This year’s recipient of the ‘Geoffrey Paynter Citizen of The Year’ was West Kelowna Warriors owner Mark Cheyne. Presenting the award to Mr. Cheyne was Mrs. Marci Paynter.
“There are so many amazing people that contribute to the local Westside community choosing this recipient was a difficult process but also very rewarding to see Mark get recognized publicly in this way,” says Gidda.
“He employs Westside people, he believes in fundraising for numerous local charities during game nights and he believes in educating young men with more than 100 players receiving university scholarships over the years.”
The Awards Finalist Reception, sponsored by Coast Capital Savings, was recently held at Volcanic Hills Winery with over 30 businesses recognized for the business excellence in service and community involvement on the Westside. Gorman Bros. Lumber sponsored the live entertainment duo, LeMoNay – Julie Masi formerly from Parachute Club and award-winning keyboardist Steve Soucy for both events.
Awards listed below with accompanying sponsor & winner’s name:
- Community & Public Service | Sponsor: West Kelowna City | Winner: West Kelowna Warriors
- Tourism & Hospitality | Sponsor: Let’s Go Transportation | Winner: Uncorked! Okanagan Wine Tours
- Small Business | Sponsor: City Furniture | Winner: Fifth Avenue Auto AND Distinctly Kelowna Tours
- Aboriginal Business | Sponsor: Westbank First Nation | Winner: Tronson Logging
- Performing Arts | Sponsor: Hergott Law | Winner: JC and Andy Plett, musical duo “Room To Dance”
- Young Entrepreneur | Sponsor: Global Roadway Maintenance | Winner: David Nguyen, Revive Nails Bar
- Sustainable Green Business | Sponsor: FortisBC | Winner: Off the Grid Organic Winery
- Large Business | Sponsor: Scotiabank/Roynat Capital | Winner: Bylands Nurseries
- New Business | Sponsor: White Kennedy | Winner: Floramaxx Technologies
- Platinum Service Provider | Sponsor: Fifth Avenue Auto | Winner: Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital
- Business of the Year | Sponsor: Kelowna International Airport | Winner: Off the Grid Organic Winery