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Oct. 23 event

Awards gala will feature Holland, Allen and former Bachelorette

Sep 25, 2020 | 12:43 PM

2020 has been a difficult year for many businesses and non-profits, which makes it even more important to celebrate the risk-takers, leaders and visionaries who have risen to the challenges thrown at them by COVID-19.

That is the concept behind the 2020 Business Excellence Awards hosted virtually by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 23, presented by Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union.

“We know this has been an extremely difficult year for businesses and non-profits as they have endured the pandemic, but they have done it with grace, ingenuity and their heads held high. Our Business Excellence Awards are an opportunity to recognize the importance of entrepreneurs and community organizations to Greater Vernon,” Krystin Kempton, Greater Vernon Chamber president, said.

Jillian Harris, founder and creative director of Jillian Harris Design, former Bachelorette and co-host of Love It Or List It Vancouver (submitted photo)

The gala will feature Jillian Harris, founder and creative director of Jillian Harris Design, former Bachelorette star and co-host of Love It Or List It Vancouver; and Ken Holland, the Vernon-born general manager of the Edmonton Oilers, while Vernon’s Andrew Allen will perform.

Ken Holland, Edmonton Oilers GM (photo credit: NHL.com)

“We are thrilled to have Jillian Harris and Ken Holland share their passion, knowledge and wisdom, and Andrew Allen will be sure to put on a great performance as always,” Kempton said. The high point of the evening, though, will be the announcement of the winners in 10 categories as well as the Business of the Year and the winner of the People’s Choice Award. Voting for the People’s Choice continues until Oct. 4 online here.

Andrew Allen. (submitted photo)

Registration for the gala is $15 and attendees will receive: a link to the event, a bottle of wine from De Vine Vintners for pickup (first 240 registrations), a discount code for 20 per cent off The Med Express Vernon and a chance to win a stay at Halcyon Hot Springs.

You can register for the event here.

“Our theme is Now More than Ever and it has become abundantly clear since March that now more than ever, local matters, community matters and our friends and neighbours matter. We welcome you to join us Oct. 23 as we honour businesses and non-profits for their inspiration, resiliency and determination,” Kempton said.

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