2023 Business Excellence Award winners at Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Oct. 26. (Photo credit: Greater Vernon Chamber)

By Pete McIntyre

Performing Arts Centre

Greater Vernon’s best businesses & non-profits celebrated at Excellence Awards

Oct 27, 2023 | 10:00 AM

The top businesses, non-profits and individuals in Greater Vernon were honoured Thursday night at the 2023 Business Excellence Awards.

There were nominees in 17 categories at the 39th annual event put on by the Greater Vernon Chamber at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre, sponsored by Kal Tire.

A panel of judges determined the winners, while the People’s Choice award was voted on by the public.

“The Business Excellence Awards are a testament to the commitment, hard work and strength businesses and non-profits demonstrate daily, and we congratulate the winners and all the nominees. Your accomplishments truly elevate the North Okanagan,” Kirndeep Nahal, Greater Vernon Chamber president, said.

The winners of the 2023 Business Excellence Awards are:

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• Large Business of the Year sponsored by Kal Tire: KingFisher Boats (Honourable mention: Nixon Wenger LLP, Splatsin Development Corporation)
• Medium Business of the Year sponsored by Fox Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical: R.E. Postill & Sons (Honourable mention: Cambium Cider Co. and Cheers Okanagan Tours and Transportation)
• Small Business of the Year sponsored by Community Futures: Rusty Spur Farm, Feed & Pet (Honourable mention: Olive Us Oil & Vinegar Tasting Room, Kasper Denture Clinic)
• People’s Choice Award sponsored by Total Restoration Services: Braden Kipp – Easthill Physiotherapy & Acupuncture (Business)
• People’s Choice Award sponsored by Total Restoration Services: North Okanagan Community Chaplaincy (Non-Profit)
• New Business of the Year sponsored by Tolko Industries: Steve Braun Coaching & Counselling (Honourable mention: LINQ Flooring, Noble Yoga)
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by Nixon Wenger Lawyers: Dolly Reno – Noble Yoga (Honourable mention: David Scarlatescu – The Fig, Melissa Knutsvik – Touch of Elegance Studio and Training)
• Business Leader of the Year sponsored by TD Benefits: Nik Vischschraper – Splatsin Development Corporation / Quilakwa Investments Ltd. (Honourable mention: Jason Kasper – Kasper Denture Clinic, Melissa Dobernigg – Cambium Cider Co.)
• Employer of the Year sponsored by City of Vernon: Canadian Mental Health Association (Honourable mention: Splatsin Development Corporation, KingFisher Boats)
• Customer Service Award sponsored by Okanagan Spring Brewery: White House Mortgages (Honourable mention: Vernon Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical Services, Nixon Wenger LLP)
• Professional Business of the Year of the Year sponsored by TD Bank: Nixon Wenger LLP (Honourable mention: Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, Family First Optometry)
• Restaurant of the Year of the Year sponsored by YLW: The Roster Sports Club Bar & Grill (Honourable mention: Cambium Cider Co. and Samosa Joes)
• Trades Business of the Year sponsored by Scotiabank: Farrow Built (Honourable mention: Fox Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical, Alternative Water Solutions)
• Non-Profit Excellence Award sponsored by Community Foundation North Okanagan: Canadian Mental Health Association (Honourable mention: Community Futures North Okanagan, Vernon Towne Theatre)
• Tourism Business of the Year sponsored by Tourism Vernon: Okanagan Science Centre (Honourable mention: Vernon Winter Carnival Society, Allan Brooks Nature Centre)
• Diversity Excellence sponsored by MNP: Glohaven Community Hub (Honourable mention: North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society, Turning Points)
• Retail Business of the Year sponsored by the Downtown Vernon Association: FILL Vernon’s Refill Store (Honourable mention: Canadian Tire Vernon, Quilakwa Canco)
• Chamber Champion sponsored by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce: Tolko Industries

Brian Martin from 107.5 Beach Radio was the event’s emcee.

“Thank you, Brian Martin, as well as our sponsors, nominees and North Okanagan residents who submitted nominations. The 39th annual Business Excellence Awards gala is an overwhelming success because of you,” Dan Proulx, Greater Vernon Chamber general manager, said.