Nominations are now being considered for our 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards. These awards are presented annually to successful businesses that exemplify the spirit of “free enterprise” and have successfully contributed to the quality of life in our community. For further information, please call 604.793.4323
Announcing Top 3 Finalists
The award recipients of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce’s 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards will be saluted at the October 20th black tie, academy award themed event of the year gala. The front runners of this prestigious awards gala reflect the incredible ambition of our community and the success of our individuals and businesses.
“We’re proud to salute the people and organizations whose groundbreaking ideas and community involvement are reshaping how we all experience Chilliwack,” says Kevin Gemmell, President of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to recognizing excellence, the evening of October 20th promises not to disappoint. The entertainment will be outstanding and the culinary cuisine will be unsurpassed.
Proclaimed "the event of the year”, the 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards is the leading Chilliwack event honouring business excellence in our community. The awards evening is presented by the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, an organization with over 600 members.
The top three finalists for each nominated category are as follows:
Business of the Year
Little Mountain Greenhouses, Garden Centre and Florist
Star 98.3
The Town Butcher
Retail Excellence
Little Mountain Green House Garden and Floral Centre
Minter Country Garden Store
Sardis Park VQA Wine Store
New Business of the Year
British Empire
Healing Oak
Hood Star Automotive
Development Excellence Award
Garrison Village, Canada Lands Company
Heron Landing, Kingma Brothers,
Sutton Group Showplace Realty, Sutton Group
Dining Excellence
Garrison Bistro
Harvest Store and Café
Original Joe’s
Agriculture Excellence Award
Little Mountain Garden Centre
Minter’s Country Garden Store
Verard Farms
Citizen to be Recognized – Legacy Award
Funk, Kathy
Minter, Brian
Procee, Richard
Not for Profit/Service Award
Chilliwack Hospital and Health Care Foundation
Chilliwack Hospice Society
Downtown Chilliwack BIA
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Devnich Desmond, downtown BIA
Bill Turnbull, The Town Butcher
Weightman, Christine, Off the Mat Yoga
Employee of the Year
Devnich, Desmond Downtown BIA
Leisell, Russell, Unika
Wortman, Margie, Little Mountain Greenhouses
Professional Services Award
Baker Newby
Optimum Sport Performance
Scotiabank
Sustainability Award
The Coast Chilliwack Hotel
Unika
Hofstede’s
THE AWARDS:
"Citizen to be Recognized - The Legacy Award" - Awarded to any Chilliwack business person who has taken an active role in making our community a better place. This recipient has enhanced community life by volunteering, participating in community beautification projects, putting on community awareness programs - all as an example. This individual stands out amongst peers and is a good corporate citizen.
"Chamber Award" - Awarded to the individual who has stood out amongst all other Chamber Members. This member has contributed their time and effort to the Chamber movement. This is a Chamber staff pick award.
"Directors Award" - Awarded to the Chamber Director who has stood out from other Directors. This Director has volunteered their time and effort to the Chamber movement. This is a Chamber executive committee pick award.
"Retail Excellence Award" - This category recognizes a retail establishment which has demonstrated outstanding business success and innovation. This retailer has consistently demonstrated community commitment and support. The retailer is widely respected throughout Chilliwack for achievements and community involvement.
"New Business of the Year" - Presented to a new business in operation for less than 3 years and more than one year. This business has demonstrated excellence in the areas of innovation, management, marketing, customer service, and integrity.
"Business of the Year" - This business has been in operation for three years or more. This business has established itself in Chilliwack by exemplifying excellence in performance, customer service, leadership, innovation, management, marketing and community involvement. This organization offers exceptional value to customers and the community. They set an example to others by demonstrating their ability to meet their customer's changing needs.
"Employee of the Year Award" - This employee exemplifies excellence in customer service, is a team player and leader, and is involved in our community. This employee believes honesty and integrity are important to success.
"Professional Services Award" - Presented annually to an accredited business that provides professional services to our community. The deserving professional services practice must exemplify innovation, professionalism, honesty and integrity. This category includes lawyers, doctors, dentists and accountants.
"Dining Excellence Award" - Is awarded to a restaurant who consistently demonstrates excellence in food service, quality and presentation. This award recipient is proactive with regards to changing market trends, provides a variety of menu choices and gives good value. This recipient pays special attention to making their customers feel special and comfortable while, at the same time enjoying exceptional food, atmosphere and service.
"Manufacturing Award" The Manufacturing Award category is for new or established businesses in the manufacturing sector. This category is to measure advanced technology, quality control, innovation and value this organization contributes to our community.
"Development Excellence Award" - Residential and Commercial - This award recognizes and rewards excellence in new development. The development will be of superior design and engineering. It will enhance the existing neighborhood, be of the utmost quality in construction and finishing and provide long term value to Chilliwack. The residential or commercial development will bring additional jobs and economic growth to our community. This development will also give strong attention to the development of local roads, infrastructure, neighborhoods and architectural design.
"Agricultural Excellence Award" - This business has distinguished itself and shown leadership by promoting the betterment of agriculture in our city. This award will be presented to any individual or agriculture-related business who has made outstanding contributions in the advancement of agriculture in our community.
"Sustainability Leadership Award" - The City of Chilliwack and the Chamber of Commerce are pleased to recognize outstanding contributions via sustainable initiatives. The recipient of this award has actively implemented, integrated and promoted sustainability into the workplace. They are recognized for their outstanding contributions to community sustainability through economic, social and environmental excellence and have demonstrated a visible commitment to sustainable business practises.
"Not for Profit/Service Club of the Year" - A local non-profit organization that exemplifies excellence in service to the community - this category will represent both large and small organizations. We will select one organization to be honored annually, which will receive donations from select chamber events throughout the year.
"Young Entrepreneur of the Year" - The recipient of this award must be under the age of 30, exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit, and should make valuable contributions to the community. This award symbolizes the achievements for innovative entrepreneurs who provide inspiration, exemplify excellence, and carry out their unique vision.