Medium Business of the Year

Sponsored by Fox Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical

WINNER

COBS BREAD

Cobs Bread has demonstrated an ability to manage growth despite significant challenges such as the pandemic and supply chain issues. This success is largely a result of Cob Bread’s commitment to training team members, providing a high level of customer service and giving back to the Vernon community by donating food daily.

Honourable mention: The Kal, Keystone Property Management, White House Mortgages

THE 2022 NOMINEES ARE:

Bannister Honda
Bee's Knees Plumbing and Heating
Cedarshed
COBS Bread
Just For You Spa and Salon
Keystone Property Management
Kidston and Company LLP
Nicholas Alexander Home & Garden/Landscaping
Summit Tiny Homes
The Kal Eatery
White House Mortgages

Category Criteria

• 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

Small Business of the Year

Sponsored by: Community Futures North Okanagan

WINNER

HOME FOR DINNER

A fixture in Vernon for many years, Home For Dinner continues to experience significant growth and embraces a vision that foresees future expansion. Not only has Home For Dinner created sustainable policies that reduce waste, it provides employees with many opportunities and it has strong relationships with local suppliers and non-profits.

Honourable mention: IRIS The Visual Group, Kaleco Clothing, Kasper Denture Clinic

THE 2022 NOMINEES ARE:

AJA Delivery
Back to Earth
Bean To Cup
Blenz Coffee Downtown
Colour Time Ceramic Studio
Dashing Lash Studio
Dump Runz
Edward Jones - 29th Street
Flight Camera Action
Forge Valley Storage
Gold'n Time Jewellery
Graphic Enterprises
HM Krause Jewellers
Home For Dinner
IRIS The Visual Group
Kaleco Clothing
Kasper Denture Clinic
Kin + Pod Chocolate
Local Collective Therapy Center
Nokomis Landscaping
North Okanagan Closet Specialists
North Okanagan Skin & Laser
PB Kinesiologist
Paxton Industries
Pleasant Valley Painters
Richelle Kendall Photography
Shear Dimensions Hair Design & Esthetics
Summer Farm
Sun Dial Lighting
The Pilates Health Hub
Touch of Elegance Studio and Training
Vernon Teach and Learn
Wine Boss Tours

Category Criteria

• 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

People's Choice Award

Sponsored by: Total Restoration Services 

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.

Funds raised by People's Choice voting will go to the Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District Branch.

WINNER - BUSINESS

KASPER DENTURE CLINIC

WINNER - NON-PROFIT

GOOD FOOD BOX SOCIETY OF THE NORTH OKANAGAN

Chamber Champion Award 

Sponsored by Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce 

WINNER

NEURON MOBILITY

Neuron Mobility has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Greater Vernon Chamber and community since it arrived in Vernon. Besides being a Chamber Leader Member, it has also been a hole sponsor of our golf tournament, hosted a booth at the Community Expo and promotes the Chamber in its communications.

• The Chamber Champion Award is selected by Chamber staff and goes to a stand-out business or organization that has shown consistent support of the Chamber throughout the year and enhances the community.

Business Leader of the Year 

Sponsored By: Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance Plan

WINNER

TROY HUDSON - SOVEREIGN LAKE NORDIC CENTRE

Troy Hudson is known for his positive outlook and upbeat manner and he supports and mentors those around him. As a result, Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre has experienced strong employee and member retention during the pandemic. Troy has also established collaborations based on trust that has allowed Sovereign Lake to grow and plan for the future.

Honourable mention: Kim Heizmann - Kim Heizmann Personal Real Estate Corporation, Lynella Henke - Vernon Teach & Learn, Deb White – White House Mortgages

THE 2022 NOMINEES ARE:

Kim Heizmann - Kim Heizmann Real Estate

Lynella Henke - Vernon Teach & Learn

Troy Hudson - Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre

Pat Loehndorf - Bannister Honda

Leah Martel - Castanet Media

Deb White - White House Mortgages

Category Criteria:

• 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

Customer Service Excellence

Sponsored by: Okanagan Spring

WINNER

FOX PLUMBING HEATING COOLING ELECTRICAL

Fox Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical is a business with a strong customer service policy and employees are empowered to respond directly to any issues or concerns a customer may have. There is also an established process for employees to follow-up with customers to ensure their needs have been satisfied in an appropriate manner.

Honourable mention: COBS Bread, Family First Optometry, Touch of Elegance Studio and Training

THE 2022 NOMINEES ARE:

AJA Delivery
Animal Auxiliary Thrift Store
Armstrong Guardian Pharmacy
Back to Earth Enviro Products
Bannister Honda
Chelsea Kramer Notary Corporation
COBS Bread
Dashing Lash Studio
Edward Jones - Downtown 29th Street
Family First Optometry
Flight Camera Action
Fox and Son's Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical
KT's O Bento
Mojo Tours 
Nixon Wenger Lawyers
Olympia Cycle and Ski
Spiritleaf Vernon
The Kal
TKH Dance
Touch of Elegance Studio and Training
Vernon Hyundai
White House Mortgages

Category Criteria:

• 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

Diversity Excellence

Sponsored by: Kal Tire

WINNER

COMMUNITY FUTURES NORTH OKANAGAN

Having a truly diverse and inclusive workplace is the goal for Community Futures North Okanagan as well as providing a safe place for all clients who benefit from its many programs. Community Futures also provides clear communications around its values, and it recently received rainbow certification from the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Honourable mention: North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society, Okanagan Regional Library – Vernon branch, Turning Points Collaborative Society

THE 2022 NOMINEES ARE:

Canadian Mental Health Association - Vernon & District
Community Futures North Okanagan
Limitless Communications
Museum and Archives of Vernon
North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society
Okanagan Regional Library - Vernon Branch
Turning Points Collaborative Society
Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society

Category Criteria:

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

Employer of the Year 

Sponsored by: City of Vernon

WINNER

TURNING POINTS COLLABORATIVE

Turning Points Collaborative Society has a strong reputation for promoting work-life balance among its employees by promoting self-care, working remotely, and encouraging the use of vacation time. Turning Points also focuses on responsive communications with staff, and it has a compensation package that emphasizes training opportunities and competitive benefits.

Honourable mention: NexusBC Community Resource Centre, North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society, VantageOne Credit Union

THE 2022 NOMINEES ARE:

Chelsea Kramer Notary Corporation
Cobs Bread
Fox Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical
Kidston and Company LLP
Martin Estate and Injury Law
Nature's Fare Markets
NexusBC Community Resource Centre
Nixon Wenger LLP
North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society
Predator Ridge Resort
Summit Tiny Homes
Tolko Industries
Turning Points Collaborative Society
VantageOne Credit Union
Vernon Hyundai
White House Mortgages

Category Criteria

• 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

New Business of the Year 

Sponsored by: Tolko Industries

WINNER

LA CARRAIA

La Carraia is becoming known as the place to go in Vernon for families, youth and for couples wanting to enjoy date night. Gelato, in a variety of flavours, is the draw, but La Carraia also specializes in sandwiches and baking. Besides enhancing the vitality of the downtown core, La Carraia is know for its friendly atmosphere and strong customer service.

Honourable mention: Neuron Mobility, The Okanagan Eatery

THE 2022 NOMINEES ARE:

Base Camp Chiropractic and Sports Rehab
Braun Denture Clinic
Canadian Wildlife Museum
DuMoulin Boskovich Lawyers
Furhouse
La Carraia
Lakefront Mechanical
Linq Flooring
Neuron Mobility
Organizing Chaos by Design
Raising Stars Preschool 
Samosa Joes
The Culinary Confetti Farm
The Okanagan Eatery
Wandering Bear Outfitters
Wedge Cheesery
Wildflower General

Category Criteria

• 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

Non-Profit Excellence 

Sponsored by: Community Foundation North Okanagan

WINNER

NORTH OKANAGAN HOSPICE SOCIETY

The North Okanagan Hospice Society has demonstrated strong guiding principles focused on quality end-of-life care for local residents. Families are also a priority and during the pandemic, Hospice ensured the needs of families, and their loved ones, were met. Hospice also has a vision to expand services beyond the bricks-and-mortar facility.

Honourable mention: Community Dental Access Centre, North Okanagan Friendship Centre, Vernon and District Association for Community Living

THE 2022 NOMINEES ARE:

Animal Auxiliary Thrift Store/ Horse Protection Society of B.C.
Community Dental Access Centre
Forever Home Sanctuary
Good Food Box Society of the North Okanagan
Historic O'Keefe Ranch
Literacy Society of the North Okanagan
Mackie Lake House Foundation
Museum and Archives of Vernon
NexusBC Community Resource Centre
North Okanagan Friendship Centre
North Okanagan Hospice Society
North Okanagan Valley Gleaners Society
North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society
Okanagan Science Centre
Okanagan Screen Arts Society
Silver Star Resort Association
Vernon & District Funtastic Sports Society
Vernon and District Association for Community Living
Vernon Community Arts Centre
Vernon Community Music School
Vernon Lions Club
Vernon Live Well Clinic
Vernon Winter Carnival Society
Vernon Women in Business

Category Criteria

• 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.

Professional Business of the Year 

Sponsored by: TD Bank

WINNER

CASTANET

Castanet is a leader in local media with timely and innovative news coverage that has widespread community acceptance. Beyond this, Castanet has expanded products and services to include advertising, digital marketing and web design, and it is considered a foundational community builder that enhances non-profits, special events and public dialogue.

Honourable mention: Nixon Wenger LLP, North End Spine and Sport Physiotherapy, Numu Technologies

THE 2022 NOMINEES ARE:

Castanet
Edward Jones, 29th Street
Integral Accounting
Kasper Denture Clinic
Kidston and Company
Lake City Casino
Martin Estate & Injury Law
Nixon Wenger Lawyers
North End spine and sport
Numu Technologies
Sladen Moore Chartered Accountants
Vernon Teach and Learn

Category Criteria:

• 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

Restaurant of the Year 

Sponsored by: Davidson Lawyers LLP

WINNER

EATOLOGY

Anyone walking into Eatology will know that customers are the priority and the restaurant is dedicated to prioritizing their needs. On top of this, Eatology has demonstrated excellence in innovation when it comes to the menu and the business model, and their passion and investment in their employees and the community shine daily.

Honourable mention: Ratio Juice Wall / Ratio Coffee & Pastry, The Roster Sports Club Bar & Grill

THE 2022 NOMINEES ARE:

Bourbon Street Bar & Grill
Browns Socialhouse Village Green
Eatology
The Phoenix Steakhouse & Bar
Range Lounge & Grill at Predator Ridge Resort
Ratio Juice Wall / Ratio Coffee & Pastry
The Roster Sports Club Bar & Grill

Category Criteria:

• 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

Retail Business of the Year

Sponsored by: Downtown Vernon Association

WINNER

KALECO CLOTHING

Kaleco Clothing emphasizes ecological and ethically sourced products while supporting small manufacturers and producers, and these are values that are being embraced by Kaleco’s employees and customers. Kaleco has also been able to thrive despite the pandemic and it gives back to the community regularly, whether it’s sport teams or non-profits.

Honourable mention: COBS Bread, FILL – Vernon’s Refill Store, Sweet Hoopla

THE 2022 NOMINEES ARE:

Back to Earth
Brain Garden Pocket Ashtrays
COBS Bread
FILL - Vernon's Refill Store
Kaleco Clothing
Nicholas Alexander Home and Garden
Spiritleaf Vernon
Sweet Hoopla
Teeter Totter Toys

Category Criteria:

• 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

Tourism Excellence 

Sponsored by: Tourism Vernon

WINNER

SOVEREIGN LAKE NORDIC CENTRE

Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre is based in Vernon but it has a far-reaching international impact by hosting nordic competitions and providing training opportunities for elite athletes. Sovereign Lake has experienced significant growth over the last four years by expanding its membership and staff and holding events that bring $8 million to the local economy.

Honourable mention: Okanagan Science Centre, Predator Ridge, SilverStar Mountain Resort

THE 2022 NOMINEES ARE:

Bloom Flower Festivals
Lake City Casino
Mojo Tours
Museum and Archives of Vernon
Okanagan Military Tattoo Society
Okanagan Science Centre
O'Rourke's Peak Cellars
Predator Ridge Resort
SilverStar Mountain Resort
Sip Happens Wine Tours
Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre
Vernon Winter Carnival

Category Criteria:

• 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

Trades Business of the Year 

Sponsored by: Scotiabank

WINNER

RICHBUILT HOMES

Richbuilt Homes has a strong reputation for championing innovation in environmentally friendly home designs and builds, with a focus on net zero construction. It also has demonstrated a commitment to local organizations and supporting local businesses and the community, while continuing to invest in its employees.

Honourable mention: Laing Roofing, Pleasant Valley Painters

THE 2022 NOMINEES ARE:

Ductman Heating & Air Conditioning
Fox Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical
Laing Roofing
LDR Construction
Nokomis Landscaping
OKV Electric
Pleasant Valley Painters
Richbuilt Homes
RocStar Drywall

Category Criteria:

• 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

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Sponsored by: Nixon Wenger Lawyers

WINNER

MYKOLA ZRAZHEVSKYI & MAKSYM YENIN - YENIN.ART STUDIO

Mykola Zrazhevskyi and Maksym Yenin have overcome significant adversity, fleeing the invasion of their home country of Ukraine and then moving to Vernon. They had barely arrived in the North Okanagan and they were establishing Yenin.art Studio, a marketing and graphic design business. They also have become extremely active in their new community.

Honourable mention: Samantha Sewell – Raising Stars Preschool, Kalyn Webster – Electric Fat Bike Company

THE 2022 NOMINEES ARE:

Beth Gabel - Beast Eats Nutrition & Fitness
Isabelle Gauthier - Braun Denture Clinic
Sunny Gakhal - DuMoulin Boskovich Lawyers
Kelsey Galt - Uprooted Kitchen & Catering
Michelle Girard - Remax Vernon
Noah Macleod - Local Losers
Robin Martin - We Art Media
Samantha Sewell - Raising Stars Preschool
Kalyn Webster - Electric Fat Bike Company
Mykola Zrazhevskyi and Maksym Yenin - Yenin.art Studio

Category Criteria:

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