The Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce celebrated four of the area’s top businesses during its AGM last Wednesday night.
“It has been a very busy year and I also believe a very productive year for your chamber of commerce,” said outgoing chamber president Chuck Bennett during his annual address to members who assembled at the New Grand Hotel banquet room.
“Our focus has truly been on enhancing our role as the voice of business in this community and I am very proud by what we have been able to accomplish.”
Bennett pointed to quarterly meetings with different sectors of the local economy and regular meetings with city council as two important steps undertaken in the last year.
Bennett also talked about the ongoing work at the CP Station which will one day house the chamber offices and tourist centre.
Bennett — the regional publisher for Black Press newspapers — will now become past president, handing the leadership role to Justin Pelant of Ted Allen’s Jewellrey.
Leaving the board is Barry Auliffe and joining the board is Ed Olthof of Pacific West Builders.
After taking care of business, the chamber handed out its Business Excellence Awards.
Kootenai Moon furniture took home the Retailing Excellence award for its ongoing success in the heart of Baker Street.
Mountain Waters Spa was given the plaque for Professional Service Excellence for its success over the last 12 months at its Victoria Street location.
The Hospitality Tourism Excellence award was given to the Hume Hotel, which celebrated its 115th year on St. Patrick’s Day.
The big prize of Business of the Year was handed out to Whitewater Ski Resort, which continues to thrive under its new Calgary-based ownership group.
Last year’s Business of the Year was the Shambhala Music Festival.