36th Annual Business Excellence Awards
On Oct. 23, the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2020 Business Excellence Awards Presented by Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union.
Headlining the virtual celebration were guest speakers Jillian Harris, founder and creative director of Jillian Harris Design, former Bachelorette and co-host of Love It Or List It Vancouver; and Ken Holland, Vernon native and general manager of the Edmonton Oilers. And Vernon's Andrew Allen took to the stage and performed while the event MC was Sun FM's very own Betty Selin.
The theme for the gala was Now More than Ever as the amount of determination, innovation, adaptability and strain the business community has had to endure this year is commendable and should not go unnoticed. Now more than ever, we need to recognize how important local business is to our everyday lives. We hope you celebrate the best in business and non-profits in Greater Vernon.
And The Award Goes To...
Winner - The Med
Honourable Mention: Intermezzo Restaurant & Wine Cellar, Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery
Criteria for Award:
- Must have demonstrated a high level of success through:
- Customer service
- Growth and profitability
- Sales and marketing
- Strategic and tactical planning
- Employee satisfaction
- Community Supporter
- Chosen by the panel of judges from all nominees
Winner - Turning Points Collaborative Society
Honourable Mention: Sterling Centre Remedy's RX Pharmacy, J.C. Tompson Construction, The Bridge Educational Society
Criteria for Award:
- Chosen by a public vote of all nominees
- Must be a nominee in one of the 10Â categories to be eligible
- Voting begins September 14th
Winner - Anna's Vitamins Plus
Honourable Mention: Home For Dinner, Kalamalka General Store, Ritual Barbershop
Criteria for Award:
- Must employ from one to 10 employees
- Must demonstrate a passion for their business
- Must be in business for longer than two years
- Must demonstrate high-quality products or services
- Must demonstrate excellent customer service
Winner - Alysia Lor-Knill, Teassential
Honourable Mention: Mitchal Derksen, Numu Consulting; Elmaz Wilder, Ritual Barbershop, Kayley Letendre, Sugarbees Ice Cream Company
Criteria for Award:
- 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 - Social Planning Council North Okanagan
Honourable Mention: Venture Training, Greater Vernon Museum & Archives, North Okanagan Valley Gleaners
Criteria for Award:
- This award is presented to the organization that exemplifies excellence and innovation in its 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 its vision and mandate.
Winner - Vernon's Refill Store
Honourable Mention: Bottle None, Boarding House Cafe, Cheese on Wheels
Criteria for Award:
- Must have been in business for less than two years
- Must have good growth potential
- Must demonstrate high-quality products or services
- Must demonstrate excellent customer service
Winner - Underground Kombucha
Honourable Mention: Kekuli Bay Cabinetry, Summit Tiny Homes, Planet Bee Honey Farm
Criteria for Award:
- Must demonstrate a successful ability to manufacture a high quality product
- Must show innovation through the manufacturing process
- Must be in business for longer than two years
Winner - The Med
Honourable Mention: Caufields Engraving, Turning Points Collaborative Society, Martens Holdings
Criteria for Award:
- Demonstrates product or service innovation through COVID-19
- Demonstrates innovative solutions to help employees or customers
- Shows uniqueness through business
- Non-profits eligible
- Must be in business longer than 2 years.​
Winner - Sproing Creative
Honourable Mention: Community Futures North Okanagan, Valley First, The Home Depot
Criteria for Award:
- 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 - Sterling Centre Remedy's RX Pharmacy
Honourable Mention: Intermezzo Restaurant & Wine Cellar, Vernon Teach and Learn, Olive Us Oil & Vinegar Tasting Room, Okanagan Restoration
Criteria for Award:
- 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 - Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery
Honourable Mention: The Fig Bistro, Lake City Casino, Vernon Teach and Learn
Criteria for Award:
- An outstanding business in Greater Vernon
- Significantly contributed to the betterment of the community has a direct positive impact on residents of Greater Vernon
- Promote staff volunteerism in community organizations
- Must have provided financial contributions, sponsorships or volunteer hours to the community
Winner - Tony Dyck, Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery
Honourable Mention: Brad Pelletier, Predator Ridge Resort; Richard Finn, Wayside; Joe Pearson, Remax
Criteria for Award:
- 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
Thank you Sponsors!
