Emma Kirkland was named the Business Person of the Year for the second time, and the Nomad Food Co. was named Business of the Year at the 20th annual Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards on Saturday.
The annual gala saw Revelstoke business people get dressed up for a banquet, award ceremony and dancing at the community centre.
La Baguette catered the sold-out dinner, the Bob Rogers Quartet provided the music, and Alan Laidlaw DJed afterwards. The bidding on the long line of silent auction items was fierce.
Here are the award winners in the order they were announced.
Employee of the Year: Angela Thompson of the Best Western
"It's just a pleasure working in Revelstoke. I'm born and raised here. I'm very proud to be a Revelstokian," she said. "I'm just proud of everything that I do for Revelstoke. If you explain to [tourists] with enthusiasm what there is to do in Revelstoke, they'll take you up on all the offers that you give them."
Food Service Excellence: Paramjit's Kitchen
"It's made with love," said owner and chef Goldie Sanghera. "I really like to cook and I really like people. I really enjoy what I do."
Accommodations Excellence: Swiss Chalet Motel
(Not in attendance)
Industrial & Manufacturing Excellence: Kyle Buhler Cabinetry
"It's been tough but I think it also helps being a local business who's from here," said Buhler. "My dad's a carpenter, and having support from my mum too. I went to college and it didn't pan out, but the trades have worked out well."
Retail & Service Excellence: Grizzly Book & Serendipity Shop
"Service and being very responsible and reliable to the locals, because they are in essence our biggest attribute," said owner Vanessa Smith when asked the key to running a successful store in Revelstoke. "We give great service to not only the tourists, but we rely on the locals and we give great, great service. I'm overwhelmed."
Tourism & Attractions Excellence: Sky Trek Adventure Park
(Not in attendance)
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Youth Employer: The Modern Bakeshop & Cafe
Why do you focus on hiring youth? "Because teenagers rock," replied owners Josee Zimanyi and Kevan McCroy. "They have a great work ethic. We have amazing teenagers, that's why we do it."
Entrepreneurial Excellence: Beau Miller of Beau's Hot Yoga
"If you're passionate about it, just do it," she replied when asked what advice she had for other entrepreneurs. "Jump in, take the chance and believe in yourself."
Best New or Renovated Building Design: Nu-Trend Construction (for the skinny house)
"Building a house is probably the biggest economic booster in Canada," said winner Peter Bernacki. "It's such a great booster that we got to continue building, and that will get Revelstoke going too. It's a great off-spin for our tax base an so on. It puts so many people to work."
Home Based Business Excellence: Diva Den Day Spa
"It was certainly a struggle, but I just wanted to do what I wanted to do. I just have a zest for life, and a zest for excellent services," said Lindsay Kusy. "I'm fortunate, being born and raise in Revelstoke. I have solid roots here. My parents grew up here. It was a no-brainer to establish roots here as well. Already being well established with the community and providing excellent services for family and friends."
People's Choice Award: McDonald's
"We take a lot of pride in everything that we do and meet the needs of customers," said owner Kathy Blakely. "Obviously we're on the right track."
Community Support Excellence: Roberta Bobicki of the Revelstoke Credit Union
"Part of our logo is community partners, so it's nice to see when the community recognizes that effort we put forward for community support," said Bobicki. "That's one of the most important things we do as a not-for-profit organization."
Business of the Year: The Nomad Food Co.
(Not in attendance)
Business Person of the Year: Emma Kirkland, Powder Springs/The Last Drop
"This award is totally unexpected tonight," said Kirkland in her acceptance speech. "Thank you very much everybody. Revelstoke has been my home now for five years. Every single day the community makes it worthwhile, so thank you."