The 21st annual Business Excellence Awards was an evening of celebration for businesses and nonprofit organizations across the Columbia Valley.
The awards, held Thursday, October 24th at the Radium Course, is an annual event hosted by the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce (CVCC) and the Radium Chamber of Commerce. The evening included red carpet photos, appies and dessert, entertainment by DJ Juice Man, and an awards ceremony, MCed this year by Radium Mayor Clara Reinhardt. Twelve awards paid recognition to the hard work and success by businesses and nonprofits across the Columbia Valley.
Many recipients thanked their staff, and acknowledged the supportive business community found in the Columbia Valley. When accepting the Invermere Dental Clinic award, Dr. Richard Kanan said, with nine employees in the clinic – all of whom have been there at least five years, he was grateful for his staff who “run the show.”
Tara Morgan of Bird’s Eye Boutique remarked, on receiving the Retailer of the Year award,“I’m grateful to do business in such a great business community.”
In a followup post on social media, Ms. Morgan said, “To be nominated in a category of businesses that I constantly find inspiring and innovative was an incredible honour. But for the Bird’s Eye team to accept an award amongst such an incredible and supportive business community was very humbling. Thank you Columbia Valley.”
Mike Gray, who earned the entrepreneur of the year award, congratulated all the nominees for the evening’s awards, noting there has barely been a business listed that he has not frequented himself, especially the food and beverage offerings.
Valley Zipline Adventures earned the tourism / adventure activity award. Co-owner Patrick Tolchard gave a shoutout to his 18 staff, investors and the community. Valley Zipline Adventures Facebook page later posted: “We are absolutely honoured to have been selected as this year’s winner for the Tourism & Adventure category at the Columbia Valley Business Excellence Awards! This is an amazing valley with so many hardworking folks. Cheers to much more success for us all.”
Fuze Food & Smoothie Bar’s Sarah Adamson remarked that she was “super grateful just to be here tonight,” later posting she was thankful to staff, loyal customers and fellow business owners who are all part of the huge support system that contributes to the restaurant’s success.
The community impact award was won by the Invermere and Radium Rotary Clubs, with Radium’s Erin Palashniuk and Invermere’s Al Miller accepting.
“On behalf of the Rotary Club of Radium, I extend thanks to all the businesses. We call on you time and time again for support/for donations,” Ms. Palashniuk remarked. “Without you, we wouldn’t be as successful as we are.”