Penticton Chamber of Commerce’s 35th Business Excellence awards gala was a celebration worthy of Mardi Gras at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre Saturday night.
Each year, the Penticton Chamber invites the public to recognize, celebrate and support the many great businesses in Penticton by hosting the excellence awards night.
This year was no exception with Business of the Year going to Nor-Mar Industries-Brutus Truck Bodies and Business Leader of the Year going to Cherry Fernandez of South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services.
“It feels incredible. This award demonstrates the impact we are making as team as we work toward inclusivity,” said Fernandez after receiving the award.
“Pre-pandemic we were serving around 7,000 annually,” she said. “Now we help 34,000 which shows that newcomers are looking to settle here and that our community is coming together to be more welcoming.”
“This award is great motivation to keep going. My team comes together with that diversity and helps us really respond to the needs of the community.”
The Young Professional Award went to Jacob George who manages the busy Coyote Cruises.
At just 19-years-old, George is the youngest nominee and winner in the Chamber’s Business Excellence award history.
“I feel so proud. It feels amazing. All the hard work and seeing the results of it,” said George after accepting the award.
George has been working at Coyote Cruises for five years and quickly showed leadership skills, taking on the role as manager of many young staff including members of the Penticton Indian Band. The young man said he is looking forward to the future.
“I hope to own a business and create jobs for my community,” said the Penticton Indian Band member.
Sanchit Sukhija from Penticton Global Grocers accepted the award for New Business of the Year.
Sukhija said the credit should go to Global Grocers customers.
“We’d like to thank our customers and we dedicate this award to them,” said Sukhija.
Here are the Business Excellence Winners:
Business of the Year: Brutus Truck Bodies
Business Person of the Year: Cherry Fernandez
Service excellence: Elevation Woodwork
Hospitality: The Nest restaurant
Marketing and communications: Travel Penticton
Workplace Culture: Valley First
Community Spirit: Fountain Tire
Young Professional: Jacob George
Not-for-Profit: South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services
David Kampe Legacy Award: In memory of Bruce Schoenne