It was a sold out success at the 36th annual Penticton Chamber Business Excellence Awards gala where Blaze King won business of the year and Jane Long-Haggerty took business leader of the year.
The gala truly had the feeling of old Hollywood glitz and glam, with red carpet, 360 photo booth and after party featuring the talents of Andrew Johns on Saturday night at the Penticton Lakeside Resort.
MC Darrell Richards, of Sinister Speed Co. kept the laughs going. He chose to have his emcee fees go towards Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT) who were finalists in the non-profit category. Coat check donations were also given to ALERT.
Graphically Hip, who won in marketing excellence, donated $500 toward a cash cab that night with URide. Anyone who took a URide with Trevor could answer trivia questions for cash on their ride home.
Jane Long-Haggerty Chartered Professional Accountant won business leader of the year for her commitment to the community including donating over $1,500 and thousands of pounds of food each year to Salvation Army during tax season. Every year the team puts together backpacks for the start of the school for kids in need.
The chartered accounting business has only been in operation since October 2020 but has made a large impact.
“It feels pretty incredible. There are a lot of amazing businesses in this town so to be among the top and helping lead the way feels great,” said Long-Haggerty after receiving her award.
“I think a leader is willing to make change and empower people. It’s been a lot of hard work but I get a lot of support from my amazing team.”
The Hub on Martin won New Business of Year.
“We are so happy to bring back vibrancy to the downtown core. I love that Penticton comes out to support us on the dance floor. It’s so fun seeing everyone dancing and supporting live music,” said The Hub’s Kori Iceton after accepting her award. “This win is amazing. Everybody supports everybody and is working together.”
So what does the future hold for downtown Penticton’s newest nightlife scene?
“Knowing that there is always something going on at The Hub is what we want to bring for people in the next year.”
Blaze King is the big winner of the night, for 2023 Business of the Year. Other finalists were Long-Haggerty Chartered Professional Accountant Inc. and Secure-Rite Mobile Storage.
Blaze King has been in operation since the early 1950s, offering wood and gas-burning freestanding stoves. They brought the whole team to the gala and took to the red carpet to accept their award.
The David Kampe Legacy award honoured the late Harry McWatters, a pioneer and visionary who started the B.C. wine industry.
Other winners:
-Marketing
Graphically Hip
-Hospitality
Barley Mill Pub
-Not for profit
Community Foundation
- Community Support
IGA Penticton
- Service
The Concorde Assisted Living Residence
-Workplace culture
OneSky
-Young Professional
Shayna Laird, Penticton Chiropractic
Over 120 nominations were submitted in less than a month, making for a difficult but worthwhile selection process by the volunteer judges given the outstanding quality of the nominations that were received