Santana Brown’s growing photography business needs room for a trophy.
Santana Brown Photography was named NexusBC Entrepreneur of the Year Saturday at the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce 2015 Business Awards Gala at Centennial Hall and Theatre.
“I am so very proud and happy and most of all grateful,” said a delighted Brown. “I was up against so many amazing Armstrong businesses. Congrats to all that were nominated. I owe a huge part of my success to my friends who have supported me immensely and the community. Most of all though, my amazing husband and children for always believing in me.”
The Hub International Barton Insurance Corporate Cititzen of the Year was presented to VantageOne Credit Union, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the well-being of Armstrong and Spallumcheen.
“What a wonderful honour,” said Fran Stecyk of VantageOne, who accepted the honour with colleague Christine Harward. “We are so proud to be recognized and so lucky to have a great team to work with.”
VantageOne has participated in and sponsored such events as Funtastic, North Okanagan Community Life Society events, Armstrong100 Centennial Homecoming, provided support to the IPE and donate turkeys to the local food banks for Christmas hampers.
Santana Brown Photography and VantageOne Credit Union were part of a record 64 nominations for the eight award categories.
Other award winners:
Kohler Customer Service Award: The Leaf and Bean Coffee Shop;
Shepherd’s Home Hardware Revitalization Award: The Boutique;
City of Armstrong Green Community Award: Om Naturale Herbal Care Co.;
Anchor Inn Pub Tourism Award: Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Art Gallery;
Township of Spallumcheen Manufacturer/Innovator of the Year: Kronbauer Guitars;
Blackwell Building Movers Small Business of the Year: Fit Body Boot Camp Armstrong.
Two special President’s Choice awards were handed out by chamber board president Andrew Laird to Telus and The Morning Star.
“These awards are to recognize those businesses or organizations which provide a service to the community that is not often given recognition or is not eligible under the criteria,” said Laird.
“One is a longtime chamber of commerce and community supporter, the other a long-standing business that is supporting innovation and growth in the community.”
The Morning Star was recognized for using the newspaper to showcase Armstrong-Spallumcheen and regional events.
“They consistently provide the community with up-to-date information on issues that are timely, and make an effort to attend most community events,” said Laird.
Telus was recognized for providing volunteers and support for events such as Harvest Pumpkin Festival, Downtown Light Up, Countdown to Canada Day and other events.
Award winners received a coveted Jeeves keeper trophy, donated by Your Dollar Store With More – Armstrong, and gift basket with items courtesy of Terroir Cheese, Askew’s Foods, Lavina Estate Wines and Chocoliro Finest Chocolate.
The theme for the evening was Sail Away, beautifully and hilariously followed by ‘ship’s captains/emcees Sean Newton and Phil Hughes.
The evening also featured a showcase featuring 13 chamber members, and those attending were treated to exceptional dance performances by the Armstrong Dance Academy under the direction of teacher Susan Bensmiller.