Congratulations to the 2020 Key Business Award Winners

The Annual Key Business Awards, presented by the Greater Westside Board of Trade, recognize businesses, organizations and individuals located on the Greater Westside, who have achieved excellence in the community through their own abilities, efforts, and initiatives.

In a year of challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greater Westside Board of Trade is providing an opportunity to highlight and recognize the West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation business community and the incredible individuals contributing to our community’s response and recovery!

CATEGORIES

Tourism & Hospitality- Sponsored by Kelly O’Bryan’s

A business, organization, or individual(s) that: supports the tourism and hospitality industries and actively encourages the growth of the Greater Westside as a must-see destination. The nominee offers and/or promotes an outstanding visitor experience and increases the visibility of the Greater Westside.

Winner: The Cove Lakeside Resort

Technology and Innovation – Sponsored by Aries Accounting

The Technology and Innovation Award recognizes a business that develops advanced or innovative technologies to meet the needs of industry. This business contributes to making the Greater Westside a strong and rapidly growing innovation economy, and is creating a positive impact in their industry and community.

Innovation: The winning business supports Research and Development to create advanced and innovative technology concepts, products, methods and services.

Adoption: The business demonstrates how the adoption of their technology has positively impacted the way organizations or industries are doing business.  This impact is apparent through elements such as increases in efficiency, revenue and economic development.

Collaboration: This business works with partners and organizations to promote the commercialization of advanced and innovative technology.

 Winner: Big Bear Software

Arts and Entertainment- Sponsored by Hergott Law

An individual, business, organization or a particular event that contributes to a vibrant community by celebrating arts, culture and/or heritage. Awarded for originality, ingenuity, and resourcefulness within the creative sector (music, dance, visual art, literature, decorative and applied Art).

Winner: Okanagan Indigenous Music & Arts Society

Home Based Business- Sponsored by Work BC

This award is presented to a business operating from home for more than 1 year, that has gained a positive reputation and demonstrates excellence in innovation management, marketing, customer service and integrity.  Business must have a valid business license on the Greater Westside.

 Winner: YET Human Resources

Community & Public Service-Sponsored by City of West Kelowna

An individual, group or non-profit organization whose participation in the community has significantly benefited others. The nominee has contributed by giving back to the community with time, product, donations and/or support.

Winner: West K Women of Influence

Indigenous Business – Sponsored by Westbank First Nations

An Indigenous business that exemplifies entrepreneurship and demonstrates outstanding contribution to the ideals and vision of Indigenous people. The Indigenous owner must have a 51% or better share in the business.

Winner: Syilx Trail Gallery & Gifts

New Business-Sponsored by WK Group LLP

Honours a new business (2 years or less from the date of incorporation or first day of operation) that is achieving outstanding business performance in a short period of time, demonstrates exceptional promise for continued growth and serves as an inspiration for other new businesses.

Winner: Il Mercato Social Kitchen

Entrepreneurial Spirit- Sponsored by GRM Inc.

Demonstrated innovation through the establishment of a new business, product or idea or has introduced new concepts or strategies within an existing organization, has developed a solid business plan that has led to individual and business success and/or has sound business practices, including marketing and promotional strategies, product research, customer commitment, employee relations and community involvement. Including new businesses or new initiatives specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Winner: Shift Power Yoga

Small Business – Sponsored by Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan Administered by TD Benefits

A small business with less than 15 employees, the nominee has demonstrated excellence in quality, value, innovative marketing and customer service. This business is proactive in market trends, provides a variety of products, stands behind its products and services, demonstrates a good value for the price and establishes good relationships with its customers, or specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Winner: Carls Flower Company

Large Business –Sponsored by Pushor Mitchell

A large business more than 16 employees, the nominee has demonstrated excellence in quality, value, innovative marketing and customer service. This business is proactive in market trends, provides a variety of products, stands behind its products and services, demonstrates a good value for the price and establishes good relationships with its customers, or specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Winner: Boyd Autobody & Glass

Platinum Service Provider-Sponsored by Landstar Development Corporation

A business that provides consistent service excellence, worthy staff and/or products that go above and beyond customer expectations to achieve that ultimate customer event. The business establishes trust by keeping clients well informed, offering proactive service and a positive, enjoyable experience.

 Winner: West Kelowna Integrative Health

Environmentally Sustainable Business- Sponsored by Fortis BC

Created to recognize businesses and organizations that successfully implement environmentally sustainable practices as part of their overall business plan. The award aims to further educate business owners about the benefits of integrating green strategies in their business and activities that reduce energy and materials consumption and/or eliminates waste and pollution, and for either the continued or enhanced commitment to these principles throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Winner: A View to Remember Bed & Breakfast

Citizen of the Year

For a local businessperson who, through their personal vision, expertise, dedication, and performance in general or specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic, has been an outstanding role model for business development and excellence.

Winner: Norm Parent, Director of Strategic Initiatives, GRM Inc.

Key Eligibility Rules:

• Nominees must have a business location in West Kelowna or WFN and a valid West Kelowna business license, except for “Citizen of the Year”
• Nominees for “Citizen of the Year” must be a West Kelowna or WFN resident, or be a volunteer/employee of a West Kelowna or WFN-based organization
• Self-Nominations ARE accepted
• An award may not be issued for every category, depending on the applications received
• A nominee may be issued an award for a category other than the one for which they were nominated
• A business or individual is ineligible to win the same award category more than once in three years