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Touching moments highlight Vernon's Business Excellence Awards

19 awards were handed out to deserving businesses, leaders and non-profits Thursday night

There were plenty of laughs, a few tears, and an outpouring of support for the local business community at the 40th annual Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Thursday night, Oct. 24.

Awards were handed out in 19 categories at an Oscar-style ceremony at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre, emceed by Pure Country 105.7 morning host Turner Gentry. 

“The Chamber is proud and excited to celebrate our community’s business and non-profit achievements. For 40 years these awards have been a testament to the dedication and passion of local entrepreneurs, professionals, and businesses that drive our region’s economy and this year’s list of winners are a shining example of that," said Dan Proulx, the chamber's general manager. 

The most touching moment of the evening came in the Business Leader of the Year award category. The award was won by Lynella Henke, longtime owner of Vernon Teach and Learn. Henke is suffering from poor health, and the family lost their daughter, Lynza, earlier this year. 

Due to her health issues, Henke was unable to attend the event and accept the award. Her husband and business partner Trevor accepted it on her behalf. 

"I want to thank the community for rallying around our valley in our last days of tragedy these last few months," Trevor said. "We appreciate every one of you in the community, from your cards, gifts, donations, thoughts, prayers and help."

When he was done speaking, the audience gave Trevor a lengthy standing ovation. 

Dolly Reno, owner of Noble Yoga, won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award at last year's Business Excellence Awards, and her young business was again recognized at this year's awards, taking home the honour of New Business of the Year. 

Reno's son, Quinn Robertson, accepted the award on behalf of his mom, who is currently on a retreat in Peru. 

"She is the most inspiring person in my life," Robertson said of his mom. "She reminds me that choosing something you're passionate about does not always mean taking the path of least resistance. In fact, it is just the opposite. It requires determination, humility, and above all else, a whole lot of love."

Robertson drew a hearty laugh from the audience with the final words of his acceptance speech.

"Of all the words of wisdom my mom has shared with me, I'll leave you with this: Be good, stay in school and don't do drugs."

Quality Inn and Suites took home the award for Tourism Excellence. Vinil Sood, who runs the hotel with his brother, accepted the award on behalf of his parents, who have owned the hotel for the past 11 years. 

"We're really blessed to be a part of this community," said Sood, who added the hotel is always striving to improve, and recently installed solar panels on its roof to reduce carbon emissions.

North Okanagan-Shuswap MP Mel Arnold was in Ottawa Thursday night, but recorded a video congratulating the chamber on 40 years of celebrating the business community. 

"With a history going back to 1897 and now 40 years of Business Excellence Awards, you have a lot to be proud of," Arnold said. 

 

Here is the full list of winners: 

Small Business of the Year, Sponsored by Community Futures North Okanagan

Fill — Vernon’s Refill Store

Medium Business of the Year, Sponsored by Fox Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical

 Iron Heart Gym

Large Business of the Year, Sponsored by MNP 

 Nixon Wenger LLP

Customer Service Excellence, Sponsored by Kelowna International Airport

KT Fairglass Limited

New Business of the Year, Sponsored by Tolko

Noble Yoga

Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Sponsored by Nixon Wenger LLP

Josh Strother – Monashee Garage Doors

Professional Business of the Year, Sponsored by TD Bank

Lesia Design and Digital

Restaurant of the Year, Sponsored by Okanagan Spring Brewery

Bourbon Street Bar and Grill 

Tourism Excellence, Sponsored by Tourism Vernon

Quality Inn and Suites 

Trades Business of the Year, Sponsored by Scotia Bank

Roost Solar 

Agri-Business Excellence (New Category this year), Sponsored by Armstrong Regional Cooperative

Vegpro International (Fresh Attitude)

Retail Business of the Year, Sponsored by Downtown Vernon Association 

The Room Collection

Business Leader of the Year, Sponsored by TD Benefits 

Lynella Henke – Vernon Teach and Learn

Employer of the Year, Sponsored by the City of Vernon 

Orchard Valley Retirement Residence

People’s Choice Award, Sponsored by Total Restoration Services

Business - Cedar and Soak

Non-profit - Halina Seniors Activity Centre 

Diversity Excellence, Sponsored by Kal Tire

Vernon Community Arts Centre

Forever Home Sanctuary

Kal Tire

 

 



Brendan Shykora

About the Author: Brendan Shykora

I started at the Morning Star as a carrier at the age of 8. In 2019 graduated from the Master of Journalism program at Carleton University.
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