The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce has revealed the businesses that will be competing this fall for its 34th annual Business Excellence Awards.
The 2020 awards saw 305 nominations in 14 award categories.
The chamber’s selection committee, comprised of 28 business leaders across Kamloops, has chosen three finalists in each category, which were revealed during a Facebook Live event Thursday afternoon.
Ahead of the announcement, Jessy Sra, MNP senior manager, the event sponsor, said this year’s awards cannot be mentioned without noting the COVID-19 pandemic that shook the world economy and brought businesses to a standstill.
“This pandemic touched each one of us personally and professionally. Despite it all we must stick together to support each other and local business,” Sra said.
She added that the awards cannot come at a better time as “we all need a little light in our lives.”
Chamber of commerce second vice president, Dan Carroll, said it’s more important than ever to shop, eat and support local business.
“They provide the culture and charm that makes Kamloops shine,” he said.
Finalists will be interviewed by Sept. 13 to determine the winners.
In lieu of a traditional gala, the award winners will be announced virtually on Oct. 24 due to COVID-19. More information on how people can participate is being made available in the fall.
The 2020 Business Excellence Awards Finalists:
City of Kamloops Community Service Award
- Ebata Eye Care
- Kamloops Home Hardware & Building Centre
- Scott’s Inn & Restaurant
Open Door Group Inclusive Workplace Award
- Kamloops Ford Lincoln
- Lyons Landscaping
- Summit Gourmet Meats
BDC Business Development Bank Manufacturer Award
- Absorbent Products Ltd.
- Scorpion Technologies Ltd.
- Valley View Industries Ltd.
Aberdeen Mall Retailer Award
- Ebata Eye Care
- Kamloops Ford Lincoln
- Lyons Landscaping
Kamloops Chamber Service Provider 1 – 10 Staff Award
- Bliss Float Centre
- Ebata Eye Care
- Summit Gourmet Meats
Kamloops Chamber Service Provider 11+ Staff Award
- Kamloops Ford Lincoln
- Lyons Landscaping
- NextGen Electrical Services Ltd.
BCLC Technology Innovator Award
- Absorbent Products Ltd.
- Adroit Technologies
- iTel Networks Inc.
Kamloops Chamber Excellence in Trades Award
- Cutting Edge Consulting Inc.
- Kamloops Ford Lincoln
- NextGen Electrical Services Ltd.
Kamloops Chamber Employer of the Year
- Academy of Dance
- CheckMate Fire Prevention Inc.
- Scott's Inn & Restaurant
Community Futures Thompson Country Emerging Business of the Year
- Far & Wide Kamloops
- Lashed & Waxed by Natalie
- Local Pulse
TRU School of Business and Economics Young Entrepreneur of the Year
- Brittany Strebchuk, Aglow Wedding Décor and Event Rentals
- Greg Klohn, GK Sound
- Nick Price, Valley View Industries Ltd.
Kamloops Home Hardware Not-For-Profit of the Year
- BIG Little Science Centre Society
- Kamloops Food Policy Council
- Kamloops Symphony Orchestra
Venture Kamloops Small Business of the Year
- Bolton's Landscape Maintenance
- Diverse Training Center
- Miller & Associates Wealth Management
Kamloops Chamber Business Person of the Year
- Peter Aylen, Absorbent Products Ltd.
- Colin Lyons, Lyons Landscaping
- Gordon Stamp-Vincent, TasteFull Excursions
The premium sponsor of the 2020 Business Excellence Awards is MNP LLP.
Media sponsors include Kamloops This Week and Broadcast Centre, while select sponsors are Lee’s Music, Fresh Inc. and Wayside Printers.
