Kamloops, B.C. – The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce and MNP LLP presented 15 awards to Kamloops’ best businesses at the 35th Annual Business Excellence Awards on Thursday, October 21st.
As with most businesses and organizations in 2021, the Chamber had to adapt and pivot and the annual awards gala was no exception.
The Chamber, supported by MNP LLP, saw this as an opportunity to #SupportLocal by hosting a decentralized, low-capacity, live-streamed event, from four restaurants serving locally inspired dishes. The host restaurants were: Barside Lounge & Grill, Cordo Resto + Bar, The Noble Pig Brewhouse and Romeo’s Kitchen & Spirits.
Any person could nominate any business, and businesses were nominated for their accomplishments and successes for the year prior to the nomination period. The Kamloops Chamber extended the nomination window by 1.5 months this year in response to the pandemic and received 305 nominations, nominating 238 unique businesses.
2021 marked the second presentation of 2 new awards for the Business Excellence Awards program, the Community Futures Thompson Country Emerging Business of the Year and the Kamloops Chamber Excellence in Trades Award.
Background:
· March – April 2021 Nominations were received from all over the Kamloops community
· The selection process:
o An independent committee individually scores each nominee and MNP tabulates the scores to announce the three finalists (or four if there is a tie) in each award category.
o The committee conducts personal interviews with each of the award finalists to determine the award recipients.
o Winners of 14 of the awards were determined by the selection committee, comprised of over 28 community leaders.
o The Business of the Year was chosen from the winners of the other award categories.
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Quotes:
Tyson Andrykew President of the board of directors for the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce:
“On behalf of our Board of Directors and our Chamber team, I want to congratulate the winners, the finalists, and all of the nominees of this year’s awards. Although this year’s event certainly had a different look and feel than the Awards have ever had, it’s important that we come together to celebrate the successes of our local businesses and leaders like we did this evening. We look forward to you and your businesses continued excellence, and to greener pastures in 2022.”
James Foucault, Partner, Private Enterprise – MNP, Accounting, Consulting, Tax:
“The Kamloops Chamber Business Excellence Awards have always inspired businesses to do their best and amid these challenging times, this year is no exception. MNP is proud to be part of this important three-decade long tradition, in taking the time to celebrate the innovation, ingenuity and grit of our Kamloops business leaders. To these leaders who continually support our community – thank you.”
This year’s award recipients:
· Abbott Wealth Management Business Person of the Year Award- Margot Middleton, Middleton Energy Services
· City of Kamloops Community Services Award- C&C Resources for Life
· Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Employer of the Year Award- Cutting Edge Consulting
· Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Environmental Leadership Award- Fiddleheads Violin Studio
· Open Door Group Inclusive Workplace of the Year Award- New Gold Inc. New Afton Mine
· Venture Kamloops Small Business of the Year Award- Thompson Cleaners and Tailors
· Kubera Retailer of the Year Award- Real Deals on Home Décor Kamloops
· CN Service Provider 1-10 Staff Award- Ocean Pacific Adventure Sports
· Kamloops This Week Service Provider 11+ Staff Award- Kamloops Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre
· BCLC Innovation Award- Monte Creek Winery
· Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers Excellence in Trades Award- JUL Construction Ltd.
· Community Futures Thompson Country Emerging Business of the Year Award- Bright Eye Brewing
· TRU School of Business and Economics Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award- Jon Hudon, Ocean Pacific Adventure Sports
· Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Not For Profit of the Year Award- Mount Paul Community Food Centre
· Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Development of the Year- Arpa Investments Ltd.
· FIT Financial Business of the Year- Thompson Cleaners and Tailors
MNP and the Kamloops Chamber congratulate all the winners and thank all our sponsors for making this event possible for our community.
Premier Sponsor – MNP LLP, Accounting Consulting & Tax
Audio-Visual Sponsor – GK Sound
Media Sponsors – CFJC TV, 98.3 CIFM, B100, Kamloops This Week
Recognition Sponsors – New Gold Inc., New Afton Mine, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
Event Partners – Barside Lounge & Grill, Cordo Resto + Bar, The Noble Pig Brewhouse,Romeo’s Kitchen & Spirits, River City Limo, Mitchie’s Delivery
Media Contact:
Acacia Pangilinan
Executive Director, Kamloops Chamber of Commerce
778-257-5900