Medium Business of the Year

Sponsored by Fox Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical

• Must have between 11-49 employees
• Must be in business longer than 2 years
• Must have demonstrated a high level of success through:
  • Customer service
  • Growth and profitability
  • Sales and marketing
  • Innovation
  • Employee satisfaction
  • Community Supporter

WINNER

The Roster Sports Club Bar & Grill

The Roster Sports Club Bar & Grill stands out for its local investment in Vernon, including supporting  community fundraisers as well as upgrades to the facility, new food offerings and a variety of events. Another key aspect of Roster’s is that it has been able to maintain a number of long-term employees in a challenging industry.

Honourable mention: Farm Bound, Total Restoration Services)

2021 NOMINEES

Bannister Honda

BlueSky Organics

COBS Bread Bakery 

Farm Bound

Intermezzo Restaurant & Wine Cellar

Iron Heart Gym

Olympia Cycle & Ski

The Roster Sports Club Bar & Grill

Total Restoration Services

White House Mortgages

Small Business of the Year

Sponsored by: Community Futures North Okanagan

• Must have between 1 – 10 employees
• Must be in business longer than 2 years
• Must have demonstrated a high level of success through:
  • Customer service
  • Growth and profitability
  • Sales and marketing
  • Innovation
  • Employee satisfaction
  • Community Supporter

WINNER

FILL - Vernon's Refill Store

FILL – Vernon’s Refill Store has experienced considerable growth as it encourages residents to focus on the environment and how they can reduce, reuse and recycle. FILLl’s success is largely a result of its team approach, with the company investing significantly in its employees and providing them with opportunities to engage in a positive learning experience.

Honourable mention: Dump Runz, Olive Us Olive Oil & Vinegar Tasting Room, Vernon Teach & Learn

2021 NOMINEES

Bean to Cup

Blades of Lori Skate Sharpening

Cento Wear

Cotton's Chocolates

Dump Runz

Envy Apparel

Farmhouse Pizza & Donair

FILL - Vernon's Refill Store

The Gentlemen's Shop & Shave Parlour

Grahame Mechanical Plumbing & Gas

Graphic Enterprises

Healing Garden Spa & Wellness

Home for Dinner

Hot Bread Shoppe

The Limping Wolf Woodcraft

Monashee Health Collective

Olive Us Oil & Vinegar Tasting Room

Pink Spotted Goat

Shear Dimensions Hair Design

Spiritleaf Vernon

Summer Farm

Sweet Hoopla

Teassential

Tidal Elements Healing Arts Studio

Touch of Elegance Studio & Training

Vernon Teach & Learn

Wedge Cheesery

Woodstyle Homes

People's Choice Award

Sponsored by: Total Restoration Services

13 to Oct. 4, members of the public voted for their favourite among the businesses and non-profits nominated as part of the Greater Vernon Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards.

Partial funds raised by People's Choice voting will provide a scholarship award to a deserving local business student, while other funds will allow the Chamber to continue to support local businesses and non-profits.

WINNER

Pivot RX Pharmacy

Pivot Rx is locally owned and family-run and through private one-on-one consultations, pharmacists design and manage a client's personalized medication plan. Located downtown, Pivot Rx was designed as an inviting and organized space with several unique features, including three counselling rooms where patients can ask questions in a private setting.

Business Leader of the Year 

Sponsored By: Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance Plan

• Individual who must be in business more than 5 years
• Requires a history of business success, excellence and innovation
• Must demonstrate commitment and passion for their business
• Considered a leader in the business community
• Contributes to the community through volunteering or monetary support

WINNER

Jaye Siegmueller, Farm Bound

Jaye Siegmueller had a vision of connecting consumers with farmers through organic, fresh produce, and that vision has translated into success for Farm Bound. Produce is delivered to communities throughout B.C. and Alberta, while an emphasis has also been placed on dry goods like plastic-free hair care products. Jaye is also invested in the community, supporting Mamas for Mamas with food donations.

Honourable mention: Kari Gares, Verico Mortgage House; Troy Hudson, Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre; Todd Robinson, Okanagan Spring Brewery

2021 NOMINEES

Richard Chippendale - Iron Heart Gym

Rob Ellis - Rellish Transport

Kari Gares - Verico Mortgage House

Troy Hudson - Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre

Todd Robinson - Okanagan Spring Brewery

David Scarlatescu - The Fig Bistro

Jaye Siegmueller - Farm Bound

Deb White - White House Mortgages

Nancy Wilde - Wayside

Angela Yablonski - Okanagan Health & Fitness

Customer Service Excellence

Sponsored by: Okanagan Spring

• Must demonstrate a consistently outstanding level of customer service, product support and after sales service
• Goes above and beyond to meet customer needs
• Must be in business for longer than two years

WINNER

Olive Us Olive Oil & Vinegar Tasting Room

Olive Us Olive Oil & Vinegar Tasting Room is incredibly intentional as it creates an outstanding customer experience either in-store or at home, with education core to the relationship. Olive Us also has a formal approach for monitoring and responding to feedback across multiple platforms and it provides opportunities to train staff further on customer service.

Honourable mention: Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, Monashee Health Collective, North Okanagan Skin & Laser

2021 NOMINEES

Total Restoration Services

White House Mortgages

Ductman Heating & Cooling

Dump Runz

Pink Spotted Goat

A Fine Kettle O' Fish Seafood

North Okanagan Skin & Laser

Tidal Elements Healing Arts Studio

Monashee Health Collective

The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy

Olympia Cycle & Ski

Sundial Lighting

Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy

Spiritleaf Vernon

KALECO Sustainable Lifestyle

Cotton's Chocolates

JC Bradley Jewellers

Healing Garden Spa & Wellness

OK Tire & Auto Service

Allegria Homes

Roost Solar

Cento Wear

Olive Us Oil & Vinegar Tasting Room

Iron Heart Gym

Touch of Elegance Studio & Training

Ezzzy Moving

Bean to Cup

The Phoenix Steakhouse & Bar

Diversity Excellence

Sponsored by: Kal Tire

Must have undertaken significant change within the last two years, in areas such as:

• Reviewing or implementing Diversity, Inclusive and/or Equity policies, processes and practices
• Progressive hiring and on-boarding practises to recruit, retain and develop diversity groups
• Showcase diversity in customer attraction and marketing diversity
• Providing training and education in diversity to staff
• Offering mentorship and/or supporting connections in the community

WINNER

Tolko Industries

Tolko Industries demonstrates far-reaching partnerships and programs that promote a culture of diversity within its workforce and the broader community. A key component of Tolko’s approach is extensive and ongoing training for team members, including women leaders, unconscious bias and indigenous cultural awareness.

Honourable mention: Interior Health

2021 NOMINEES

Interior Health

Interior HomeCare Solutions

Okanagan Regional Library - Vernon branch

Rider Ventures

SilverStar Mountain Resort

Tolko Industries

Turning Points Collaborative

Employer of the Year 

Sponsored by: City of Vernon

• Must be nominated by an employee or group of employees
• Must demonstrate a fair wage and benefits policy
• Must promote family and workplace balance
• Must demonstrate open consistent communications with staff
• Must be in business for longer than two years
• Must have a minimum of 10 staff

WINNER

Bridge Educational Society

The Bridge Educational Society emphasizes family balance for its team members, including flex days, free child care for staff and adjusted class time to allow for early pick-up for families. Resources are also dedicated to diversity training while there is a clear communications plan between administration and staff, and a comprehensive salary and benefits package.

Honourable mention: Fox Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical, NexusBC Community Resource Centre, Tolko Industries

2021 NOMINEES

Bridge Educational Society

Discovery Optometry

Fox Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical

NexusBC Community Resource Centre

tekmar Control Systems

Tolko Industries

Total Restoration Services

Turning Points Collaborative

Value Village Vernon

White House Mortgages

New Business of the Year 

Sponsored by: Tolko Industries

• Must have been in business for less than two years
• Must have good growth potential
• Must have taken significant financial risk to develop the business
• Must demonstrate high quality products or services
• Must demonstrate excellent customer service

WINNER

The Roxy Cafe

The Roxy Café opened during the uncertainties of the pandemic, but it’s already finding broad popularity as it provides Vernon residents with a unique menu offering that emphasizes vegan and gluten free specialties. Beyond meeting the needs of a growing segment of the population, the owners of The Roxy Café have developed a well thought out business plan to succeed.

Honourable mention: Aly Pain Parenting Expert, Taste Buddies Gourmet, Pivot Rx Pharmacy

2021 NOMINEES

Aly Pain - Parenting Expert

Barre Lab

Clean Color Painting

Dashing Lash Studio

Dawn King Recovery

Family Tax Time

Fenske Financial Coaching

Glohaven Community Hub

Gold Mountain Ventures

Iron Heart Studio

Kelver Coatings

Kingdom Creative

Local Losers

North Okanagan Apparel

Okanagan Event Planners

OKGN Skin Co.

Paul Bradshaw Kinesiologist

Paxton Industries

Pilates Health Hub

Pivot RX Pharmacy

Polson Artisan Night Market

The Roxy Cafe

Taste Buddies Gourmet

Non-Profit Excellence 

Sponsored by: Community Foundation North Okanagan

• This award is presented to the organization that exemplifies excellence and innovation in their programs, projects, and partnerships.
• Their commitment to growth and expanded programs, as well as service, community involvement, sustainable practices and/or job creation/development.
• Demonstrates a dedicated focus on achieving their vision and mandate.

WINNER

Turning Points Collaborative Society

The entire team at Turning Points Collaborative provides significant leadership by creating consistent, non-judgemental support for Vernon’s most marginalized citizens. Among the achievements has been addressing the housing crisis head-on while Turning Points has also ensured the safety of its clients and employees during the pandemic.

Honourable mention: Men’s Shed Vernon, North Okanagan Hospice Society, Sovereign Lake Nordic Club

2021 NOMINEES

All Are Family Outreach Society

Allan Brooks Nature Centre

Animal Auxiliary Thrift Store

Animal Food Bank Foundation

Boys and Girls Clubs Okanagan

Caetani Cultural Centre

Community Recreational Initiatives Society

Men's Shed Vernon

North Okanagan Cycling Society

North Okanagan Hospice Society

North Okanagan Youth & Family Services Society

Okanagan Screen Arts Society

Sovereign Lake Nordic Club

Turning Points Collaborative 

Vernon Community Arts Centre

Vernon & District Association for Community Living

Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre

Vernon Winter Carnival Society

Professional Business of the Year 

Sponsored by: TD Bank

• Must exemplify professionalism and integrity
• Outstanding achievement in Customer Service, Market Development and Innovation
• Must demonstrate community service
• Must be in business longer than 2 years

WINNER

Monashee Health Collective

Monashee Health Collective has created a formula that balances entrepreneurial spirit with social and economical accountability. As part of giving back to the community, Monashee Health Collective has donated over 300 hours of service to non-profit organizations, while providing care to wildfire crews this summer. A partnership with Okanagan College has resulted in new technology to assist patients.

Honourable mention: Okanagan Restoration Services, Sproing Creative, Ukrainetz Workplace Law Group

2021 NOMINEES

Clark Robinson Chartered Professional Accountants

Davidson Lawyers LLP

Monashee Health Collective

Numu Technologies

Okanagan Restoration Services

Re/Max Vernon

Sherpa Group Events

Smart & Associates Chartered Professional Accountant

Sproing Creative

White House Mortgages

Ukrainetz Workplace Law Group

Restaurant of the Year 

Sponsored by: White House Mortgages

• Must demonstrates excellent customer service
• Provides high quality and consistency of product
• Contributed to Community 
• Employee Relations & Training
• Innovation within the Industry
• Must be in business longer than 2 years

WINNER

The Kal

A fixture in Vernon for more than a century, The Kal continues to evolve as a restaurant and community hub by focusing on customer service and authentic, quality ingredients, such as pepperoni from New York and waffles from Belgium. The ownership of The Kal has also made a significant investment in its team members, including providing staff housing and not laying staff off during the pandemic.

Honourable mention: The Fig, Intermezzo Restaurant & Wine Cellar, Marten Brewing Co.

2021 NOMINEES

Bean to Cup

Bourbon Street Bar & Grill

Browns Socialhouse

The Fig

Intermezzo Restaurant & Wine Cellar

The Kal

Kawakubo Vernon

Los Huesos

Marten Brewing Co.

The Phoenix Steakhouse & Bar

Raku Rice & Noodle Bar

Retail Business of the Year

Sponsored by: Corbett Office Plus

• Demonstrate providing superior customer service and creativity in reaching target markets
• Demonstrate a commitment to being involved in the community
• Have a reputation of excellent product knowledge
• Demonstrate a commitment to providing quality products
• Must be in business longer than 2 years

WINNER

Olive Us Olive Oil & Vinegar Tasting Room

Community is a fundamental cornerstone of Olive Us Olive Oil & Vinegar Tasting Room, with the business providing donations to local organizations and free cooking classes for children. Olive Us also shines with its commitment to customer service and variety of products, while the response to Covid resulted in the entire operation pivoting.

Honourable mention: Cotton’s Chocolates, FILL – Vernon’s Refill Store

2021 NOMINEES

Armstrong Regional Cooperative

Cento Wear

Cobbler's Rack Shoes & Repairs

Cotton's Chocolates

Crave Massage & Spa

FILL - Vernon's Refill Store

JC Bradley Jewellers

Olive Us Oil & Vinegar Tasting Room

Parnell's Appliance

Pink Spotted Goat

Spiritleaf Vernon

Sundial Lighting

Sweet Caroline's Pastries & Cakes

Tourism Excellence 

Sponsored by: Tourism Vernon

• Provides and/ or promotes an outstanding visitor experience
• Actively encourages the growth of Greater Vernon as a destination
• A positive reputation of integrity and leadership in the industry
• Must be in business longer than 2 years

TOURISM EXCELLENCE

Davison Orchards Country Village

A family-run farm for over 80 years, Davison Orchards has become a significant tourism presence, attracting North Okanagan residents and visitors from across B.C. and beyond. There are numerous free and unique customer experiences and the Davison family takes an active role in promoting awareness about the benefits of local agriculture.

Honourable mention: Caravan Farm Theatre, Grace & Flow

2021 NOMINEES

Caravan Farm Theatre

Davison Orchards Country Village

Field of Screams

Grace & Flow Events

Okanagan Military Tattoo

Okanagan Science Centre

Pink Spotted Goat

SilverStar Mountain Resort

Trades Business of the Year 

Sponsored by: tekmar Control Systems

• Exhibiting a history of excellence in the area of workplace safety
• A positive reputation of integrity and leadership within the industry
• Provides a quality, certified service and actively seeks ways to enhance offerings
• Excellent client and/or employee relationship
• Must be in business longer than 2 years

WINNER

Allegria Homes

Allegria Homes’ experienced team provides innovation when it comes to design, planning and construction for new homes and custom renovations, and they work with many local suppliers and trades to create a stable construction sector. Allegria also puts its people first by supporting diversity and inclusivity in hiring and attracting skilled tradespeople.

Honourable mention: Phyxter Home Services, Roost Solar

2021 NOMINEES

Allegria Homes

Bee's Knees Plumbing & Heating

Braden Robertson Construction

Grahame Mechanical Plumbing & Gas

Keith Dahlen Construction

Modern PURAIR Vernon

Phyxter Home Services

Roost Solar

Tolko Industries

Woodstyle Homes

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Sponsored by: Nixon Wenger Lawyers

• Must have owners below 35 years of age
• Must demonstrate good growth potential
• Must demonstrate high-quality products or services
• Must demonstrate community involvement

WINNER

Mitchal Derksen, Numu Technologies

As the founder and CEO of Numu Technologies, Mitchal Derksen has built the business from humble beginnings to one that has a significant growth rate and helps businesses make profitable decisions using their own data. Beyond meeting a need for entrepreneurs, Mitchal continues to demonstrate solid involvement in the community.

Honourable mention: Shelby Fisher, RJ Fisher Transport

2021 NOMINEES

Mitchal Derksen - Numu Technologies

Shelby Fisher - RJ Fisher Transport

Sunny Gakhal - DuMoulin Boskovich LLP

Brett Kelly & Andrew Pye - The Gentlemen's Shop & Shave Parlour

Selina Kozub - Selina Photography

Drew Leger - Tune-A-Boat Marine

Noah MacLeod - Local Losers

Abe Thiessen - Glacier Earth Ventures