It was a packed house for the Penticton Western News’ Best of the South Okanagan awards Tuesday night at Mile Zero Winery.
With new categories and the ability for readers to register their votes for their favourite businesses and activities in the South Okanagan both by dropping off ballots and voting online, it opened up the opportunity for more recognition for all the outstanding business and services in our region.
“What a fantastic evening it is when we can get our community out to an event to celebrate all the excellent companies, events and activities that we have in our region,” said Kim Cook, publisher at the Western News.
“The energy over the course of the awards show was invigorating and the awards themselves serve as a showpiece for each business to stress the importance shopping local.”
Taking top spot in the Best Of signature categories were Peters Bros. Construction (Business of the Year), La Casa Ouzeria (Best Overall Restaurant), Gratify (Best New Business) and Total Restoration Services (Best Service).
Peters Bros. president Joe Cuzzocrea said it is a small company that works hard to provide quality services and support the community.
”We just have the greatest employees anybody could have. Most of them have been with us for a very long time and it is just a great, great family,” said Cruzzocrea.
For the second year in a row, La Casa Ouzeria was recognized as the Best Overall Restaurant, the secret to success being its commitment to hard work and consistency.
“With so many great restaurants here, an award like this, voted on by the people who call Penticton home, shows us that the customers genuinely appreciate all our hard work every day,” said general manager Minas Portalaki.
The restaurant won best overall in 2008, 2013 and 2018.”
Connie and Ryan Oickle run the vegan, whole food snack business Gratify, and said they were honoured to be chosen by the public.
“We basically eat, sleep and breathe Gratify,” she said. “That’s why we’re so grateful to the community, not only for supporting the shop, but also nominating us in the Best of awards. Thank you.”
Total Restoration Services manager of marketing and community relations, Tracy Van Raes, said being chosen for the award by the public they serve means so much to those who work for the company.
“It is a huge success to be nominated by the public. Receiving a recognition like this always brings smiles to our faces and gives our staff the extra drive they need to continue that level of service or community support.”
To view the E-edition of the Best of the South Okanagan special section with all the award winners click here.
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