KAMLOOPS, BC – The Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce and MNP are thrilled to announce the finalists for the 39th annual Business Excellence Awards. The Finalists were announced at the 2025 Finalists Announcement, presented by Teck Highland Valley Copper, at a networking celebration at the Kia Lounge in Sandman Centre.
The 2025 awards received over 217 nominations from the public, of which, over 76 unique businesses and organizations were recognized.
Background:
A dedicated Selection Committee of forty-five volunteers from the regional business community, including past award winners, industry experts, and award sponsors, meticulously scored each nominee to determine the finalists in each category.
The committee members will now conduct interviews with each finalist to select the winners of the prestigious Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce and MNP Business Excellence Awards. The FIT Financial Business of the Year, the 16th award, will be chosen by the Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and our elected liaisons, Kamloops Councillor Kelly Hall, and TKWENEM7ÍPLE7 Nikki Fraser from all of the award winners the night of the gala. Thank you, to Joshua Knaak, the Managing Partner of FIT Financial for being the Business of the Year award sponsor!
The winners will be celebrated at the Business Excellence Awards Gala, taking place on the evening of Thursday, October 23, at Thompson Rivers University. Tickets will be available soon.
Join us in recognizing and celebrating the outstanding contributions of our local businesses!
Quotes:
Acacia Pangilinan, Executive Director, Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce
“Each year, the Business Excellence Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible businesses and leaders who make Kamloops such a vibrant place to live and work. We’re proud to celebrate this year’s finalists—not only for their success, but for their impact on our community, economy, and workforce. A big thank you to our selection committee for their thoughtful review of the nominations, and to our sponsors whose support brings this program to life. We can’t wait to celebrate these outstanding finalists at the gala in October.”
Jessy Sra, Partner & Business Advisor, MNP
“Each finalist has shown strong leadership, clear focus, and a commitment to their business and community. We’re proud to support the Business Excellence Awards and recognize the positive impact these businesses are making. Congratulations to all the finalists!”
See the full list of finalists and sponsor below.
Media Contact:
Acacia Pangilinan
Executive Director
Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce
E: acacia@kamloopschamber.ca
P: 778-257-5900
2025 Kamloops & District Chamber & MNP Business Excellence Awards Finalists:
City of Kamloops Community Service Award |
A Groess Underground |
Progressive Planet Solutions |
Teck Highland Valley Copper |
|
Andre’s Electronic Experts / TELUS Retailer of the Year |
Far + Wide |
Lyons Landscaping Ltd. |
Tumbleweed Toys |
|
Cutting Edge Consulting Service Provider 1-10 Staff Award |
Abbott Wealth Management / Harbourfront Wealth Management |
All Nations Trust Company |
Wild Ridge Structures |
|
Dearborn Ford Service Provider 11+ Staff Award |
Avanti CPA LLP |
Houle Electric Limited |
Lyons Landscaping Ltd. |
Maxwell Mechanical |
|
Rocky Mountaineer Environmental Leadership Award |
A Groess Underground |
Teck Highland Valley Copper |
|
New Gold Excellence in Trades Award |
A Groess Underground |
Progressive Planet Solutions |
Teck Highland Valley Copper |
|
Open Door Group Inclusive Leadership Award |
Progressive Planet Solutions |
SMART Options Inc |
Vivacity Technologies |
|
BCLC Innovation Award |
Abbott Wealth Management / Harbourfront Wealth Management |
Maxwell Mechanical |
Vivacity Technologies |
|
Trans Mountain Corporation Not for Profit of the Year |
BC Interior Community Foundation |
St. John Ambulance |
Kamloops Hospice Association |
|
Community Futures Thompson Country Emerging Business of the Year |
Fly Fitness Aerial Studio |
Hosenbocus & Co. CPA |
Uplift Safety |
|
Sc.wén̓wen Economic Development Indigenous Business Excellence Award |
AEW Limited Partnership |
All Nations Trust Company |
Authentic Indigenous Seafood Co-Operative |
|
Community Futures Central Interior First Nation Employer of the Year |
All Nations Trust Company |
Houle Electric Limited |
Lyons Landscaping Ltd. |
Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics Young Entrepreneur of the Year |
Crooked Crown Boutique – Brianna Shelton |
Interior Display Services – Nicholas Adams |
Sage & Plate – Paige Badminton-Gaylie |
|
Venture Kamloops Small Business of the Year |
Abbott Wealth Management / Harbourfront Wealth Management |
All Nations Trust Company |
Far + Wide |
|
Abbott Wealth Management – Harbourfront Wealth Management Business Person of the Year |
Excel Personnel Inc. – Karen Watt |
Far + Wide – Calli Duncan |
Peters & Company – Tina Peters |
Tumbleweed Toys – Vanessa Gammel |
|
FIT Financial Business of the Year Award |
Chosen by the Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and our elected liaisons, Kamloops Councillor Kelly Hall, and TKWENEM7ÍPLE7 Nikki Fraser from all of the award winners the night of the gala. |
Business Excellence Awards Sponsors:
PREMIER SPONSOR:
PREMIER MEDIA SPONSOR:
PREMIER PRODUCTION SPONSOR:
PHOTOGRAPHY SPONSOR
FINALISTS ANNOUNCEMENT SPONSOR:
- Teck Highland Valley Copper
GALA SPONSORS:
- Air Canada – Recognition Sponsor
- Rocky Mountaineer – Grand Prize Sponsor
- Castanet Kamloops – Attendee Gift Sponsor & Advertising Sponsor
- INFOTEL Media – Advertising Sponsor
- RBC Royal Bank – Experience Sponsor
- FortisBC – Experience Sponsor
- Pacific Coastal Air – Grand Prize Sponsor
- SilverServers – Support Local Sponsor
MEDIA SPONSORS: