Small Business Week

Small Business Week in Greater Vernon celebrates local achievements   

By Jennifer Smith, Vernon Morning Star Newspaper 

The winners in 19 categories at the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards take a group photo at the end of the awards show Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024.  An opportunity to honour excellence among local businesses and non-profit groups is here with Small Business Week in Canada, taking place from Oct. 19 to 25.  This year’s theme emphasizes preparing entrepreneurs for economic shifts, including the increasing influence of artificial intelligence and changes across generations.  The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is leading the celebrations with two major events. A sold-out Business after Five gathering will be held at the Vernon Public Art Gallery Tuesday, Oct. 21, providing networking opportunities for attendees.  The 41st annual Business Excellence Awards, presented by Kal Tire, will take place Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre, recognizing outstanding achievements in the community. 

The nominees for 2025 are:   Large Business of the Year  sponsored by MNP 
• Lake City Casino 
 • Nixon Wenger LLP 
• The Rise Resort 

Employer of the Year  sponsored by City of Vernon 
• Pivot Rx 
• Nixon Wenger LLP 
• COBS Bread 
• The Rise Resort 
• The Hot Room @Studio Be 
• Agile BK 
• Bracken Insurance Services Ltd. 
• Rusty Spur Farm, Feed & Pet 

Medium Business of the Year  sponsored byDuMoulin Boskovich LLP 
• Pivot Rx
  • Browns Transport Inc 
• COBS Bread 
• Total Restoration Services 
• White House Mortgages 
• The Hot Room @Studio Be 
• Rusty Spur Farm, Feed & Pet 

Young Entrepreneur of the Year  sponsored by Nixon Wenger LLP 
• Crimson Oath Tattoo 
• Above & Beyond Exterior Designs 
• La Flor Studio 
• Simon’s Coins 
• Raising Stars Preschool Ltd. 
• The Collar Club Inc 
• Myrissa’s Slushy Stand at Vernon Teach and Learn 
• Alyssa Wiens Laser & Aesthetics 

Small Business of the Year  sponsored by Community Futures North Okanagan 
• Spiritleaf Vernon 
• Infinite Beauty 
• Integra Tire Vernon 
• Dr. Phone Fix 
• O’Haira’s The Salon 
• Empowered Recreation and Rehabilitation for Seniors 
• Raven Hair Studio 
• Ambolt Hvac Ltd. 
• Deem Health + Fitness 
• The Room Collection 
• Braden Kipp Physiotherapist 
• Pawsitively Canine
 • Local Collective Therapy Center 
• Raising Stars Preschool Ltd. 
• City Dance 
• Obsidian Games 
• The Silver Citizen 

Business Leader of the Year  sponsored by TD Benefits 
• Sarah Ballantyne – Spiritleaf Vernon 
• Jake Gibson – Vernon Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Electrical Services 
• Julia Payson – CMHA Vernon 
• Heather Lastik – COBS Bread 
• Deb White – White House Mortgages 

Diversity Excellence  sponsored by Kal Tire 
• Lake City Casino 
• Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District Branch 
• Agile BK 

Retail Business of the Year  sponsored by Downtown Vernon Association 
• Spiritleaf Vernon 
• Nolan’s Pharmasave 
• Kaleco Clothing Ltd. 
• Cento Wear 
• COBS Bread 
• LINQ Flooring Inc 
• FILL- Vernon”s Refill Store 
• Planet Bee Honey Farm 

Non-Profit Excellence  sponsored by Community Foundation North Okanagan 

• Diversity Den Society 
• Allan Brooks Nature Centre 
• North Okanagan Community Life Society
  • Turning Points Collaborative Society
  • Fresh Outlook Foundation 
• Fletcher’s Keep Senior Dog Foundation 
• Community Dental Access Centre 
• Halina Activity Centre 
• Forever Home Sanctuary 
• Mackie Lake House 
• North Okanagan Community Chaplaincy 

Customer Service Excellence  sponsored by Kelowna International Airport 
• Spiritleaf Vernon 
• Dr. Phone Fix 
• Pivot Rx 
• Quality Inn and Suites Vernon 
• Vernon Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical Services 
• TNJ Plumbing & Heating Ltd. 
• Magnetsigns Vernon 
• DEEM Health + Fitness 
• The Room Collection 
• Braden Kipp Physiotherapist
 • Nixon Wenger LLP 
• Pawsitively Canine 
 COBS Bread 
• Vernon Tireland Ltd 
• La Carraia Galateria 
• White House Mortgages 
• Orchard Valley Retirement Residence 
• CMD Accounting Services Inc. 

Trades Business of the Year  sponsored by Scotiabank 
• Monashee Garage Doors LTD 
 Vernon Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical Services 
• Ambolt HVAC Ltd. 
• TNJ Plumbing & Heating Ltd. 
• Applewood Heating & Air Conditioning 
• Sunset West Mechanical Ltd. 
• Vernon Custom Garage Ltd 

Tourism Excellence  sponsored by Tourism Vernon 
• Allan Brooks Nature Centre 
• Grace & Flow Events 
• The Rise Resort 
• Planet Bee Honey Farm 

Restaurant of the Year  sponsored by Okanagan Spring Brewery 
• Match Eatery & Public House 
• Friesens Countrytyme Gardens 
• The Edge Restaurant & Bar 
• Browns Socialhouse Village Green 
• Masiero Pizzeria 

Professional Business of the Year  sponsored by TD Bank 

• Silver Star Line Marking 
• Steve Braun Coaching & Counselling 
• Braden Kipp Physiotherapist 
• The Rock Garden Climbing Center 
• Raising Stars Preschool Ltd. 
• North Okanagan Foot & Ankle Clinic 
• White House Mortgages 

New Business of the Year  sponsored by Tolko Industries 

• Pup-n-Cup Family Cafe & Shop 
• Oopsie Daisy Flowers, Gifts and Baskets 
• Monashee Garage Door 
• Phreeagent Creative Media 
• Glenbawn Landscape Construction 
• Setanta Landscapes Ltd 
• Consumed Autoworx 
• Cedar & Soak 
• Simon’s Coins 
• TJH Insurance advisor 
• Red Tomato Pies 
• Kalamalka Eye Care 
• RISE Gymnastics Academy 
• SVOI media 

Agri-Business Excellence (new award)  sponsored by Armstrong Regional Coop 
• Silverstar Veggies 
• Yankee Flats Meats 

Chamber Champion Award  sponsored by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce 

• 2024 winner: Kal Tire – This company has been a steadfast supporter of the Greater Vernon area, backing numerous events, sports, and initiatives. Typically, they step aside from awards to keep the focus on giving rather than receiving recognition. However, with the Chamber Champion Award, they had no choice in being nominated—so we’re excited to take this opportunity to celebrate them for their incredible contributions!  “Despite many challenges our business community continues to show determination and resiliency,” said chamber executive director Sonja Harkness. “Our chamber has over 700 members and is the 10th fastest growing in Canada, which suggests there is an underlying optimism that consumers are showing more support to for local businesses.”  The Business Excellence Awards will be presented in an Oscar-style ceremony, with multiple categories such as Businessperson of the Year, New Business of the Year, Non-Profit Excellence, and more. The event will showcase the accomplishments and contributions of nominees from across the region. Click here for a full list of nominees.  Tickets for the event are available at www.ticketseller.ca or 250-549-7469. 

Established in 1897, the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the local economy through education, networking, growth, advocacy, group benefits, and economic development.