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
