It’s come down to the wire.
From more than 200 businesses, entrepreneurs and organizations nominated in the fall, the field was trimmed to finalists on Jan. 26 and tomorrow night the ultimate winners in 14 categories will be announced at the Greater Westside Board of Trade’s sold-out 2023 Key Business Awards at The Cove Lakeside Resort.
“As president for the Greater Westside Board of Trade, I am filled with gratitude everyday to be able to elevate and celebrate our business community,” said Amber Hall.
“Each nominee brings value to the community that sets us apart and demonstrates ingenuity, dedication and collaboration. Demonstrating the commitment to delivering excellence in every interaction that each of you make, is one of the many reason I love the opportunity to celebrate you all each year.”
Here’s who is in the running:
Business of the year
All of the winners from tomorrow night’s gala will be considered for the marquee ‘business of the year’ award and the winner will be announced at the end of the ceremony.
2022 winner: Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital
Citizen of the year
No list of nominees or finalists is released for this award. The board of trade’s directors decide who the winner is and announces it at the awards banquet.
2022 winner: West Kelowna Fire Rescue Chief Jason Brolund
Large business of the year
Finalists: Northside Industries, Norsteel Building System and Paynter’s Fruit Market
2022 winner: Freeport Industries
Small business of the year
Finalists: Kelowna Electroplating, Integrated Power Systems, Rad Jamz and Nutri-Lawn Okanagan
2022 winner: Esteem Lingerie
Young entrepreneur of the year
Finalists: House of Berries, Jeff Hayes of Edwards Jones and Okanagan Integrative Health
2022 winner: Brian McClelland of Smith Creek Cycle
Platinum service provider
Finalists: Paynter’s Fruit Market, JK Schmidt Jewellers, The Medicine Shoppe and Envirometal Towing
2022 winner: Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital
New business of the year
Finalists: Salish Bed & Breakfast, COBS Bakery and Bodacious Artisan Breadz (BABz)
2022 winner: Okanagan Integrative Health
Indigenous business of the year (new category for 2023)
Finalists: Rad Relish, First Nations Finance Authority, The Carmichael’s & Associates and Blackfoot Nation Films
Home-based business of the year
Finalists: Kelowna Esthetics Studio, Michelle Brow & Skin and 1st Choice Steel Structures
2022 winner: Enlight Designs
Environmentally sustainable business
Finalists: Scott Contracting & Excavating and Off the Grid Organic Winery
2022 winner: Bottega Salon
Technology and innovation
Finalists: Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital, Infuse I.T Inc. and Project Pi Consulting
2022 winner: Ruby Industries
Tourism and hospitality
Finalists: PopUP Events, The Landing Kitchen + Bar, Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery and Shannon Lake Golf Course
2022 winner: Jason Parkes Customs
Arts and entertainment
Finalists: Klick Entertainment, Westside Celebration Society, Blackfoot Nation Films and Sncewips Heritage Museum
2022 winner: Kelowna Pride Society
Community and public service
Finalists: Westside Health Network Society, Childhood Connections and Beacon’s Furry FUNdation
2022 winner: West Kelowna Warriors Hockey Club
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