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Port Coquitlam's best businesses recognized

The best businesses in Port Coquitlam — as voted on by the public — were celebrated by the city at a special ceremony this week.
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The best businesses in Port Coquitlam — as voted on by the public — were celebrated by the city at a special ceremony this week.

Sponsored in part by The Tri-City News, the fourth annual PoCo Best Biz Awards reaped 79 nominations for 59 local businesses this year, with 15 of them clinching accolades or honourable mentions.

The big business of the year prize went to Vancity credit union (Shaughnessy branch) with Summit Print Corp. and Save-On-Foods at Prairie Avenue tying for the runner-up spot.

"Vancity credit union, Shaughnessy branch, is a huge supporter of our community and invests in local businesses and organizations that create positive impacts," presenter Coun. Mike Forrest told the crowd of 125 people gathered at the Giggle Dam Theatre on Wednesday night. "Last year, they played a key role in Homelessness Action Week, sponsored and helped the Centennial Community Garden by volunteering their time."

The emerging business of the year award was presented to Orrange Kitchen + Bar while Blend Bubble Tea and Hayes Elevator Inc. earned honourable mentions.

"Orrange Kitchen + Bar opened three years ago in the Dominion Triangle and has become a go-to restaurant and bar for locals,” Coun. Glenn Pollock said. "They employ more than 60 local residents and frequently support local clubs, teams and charities."

What's On! PoCo magazine scored the home-based business award with honourable mentions going to Awesome Possum Tutoring & Consulting and Shaggy Dog Grooming. And Coquitlam Florist was named PoCo's small business of the year with honourable mentions nods for CSL Countronics Sales Ltd. and Strawberries and Sunshine Healing Centre.

All nomination forms received were put into the People's Choice category and, of the 3,400 votes cast, Blend Bubble Tea popped up to the top for the second year in a row; kudos also went to The Dog Patch Dog Daycare and Orrange Kitchen + Bar.

jcleugh@tricitynews.com