Some of Port Coquitlam's best businesses were honoured by the city at an awards night last week.
City council and staff, and more than 100 business representatives, gathered at the PoCo Inn and Suites for the third consecutive year to hand out prizes and network.
MC Graham Myers of Second Storey Theatre recognized the 52 businesses that were nominated for a PoCo Best Biz accolade and praised the 13 winners and runners-up.
Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre was named the best Big Business of the Year for providing a downtown draw with food and entertainment.
"This summer, following the devastating fire on Shaughnessy Street, they spearheaded a fundraising initiative to support impacted businesses. They are an exemplary community-minded business," Coun. Mike Forrest told the crowd.
Summit Print Corporate was presented an honourable mention in the same category.
Eagle Ridge Fitness walked away with the prize for Emerging Business of the Year, with 4 Cats Art Studio, Anytime Fitness and Vancouver Tumblebus taking the runners-up spots.
"The winner in this category has established a new, successful business that has grown significantly: from starting out in his parents’ garage to opening a second studio in Port Coquitlam within the past three years,” Coun. Glenn Pollock said in his presentation. The business was also recognized for founding the BC Silver Alert system to help find missing people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Meanwhile, New Trend Optical and Treasure Chest Games and Collectibles shared the Small Business of the Year award, with Shawn Lam Video (a PoCo Best Biz sponsor) and Sushi K Kamizato clinching second place.
New Trend Optical has been a downtown fixture for nearly 30 years, providing "outstanding customer service and it supports numerous community causes year after year," said Coun. Laura Dupont, who presented the award. She also noted Treasure Chest Games offers "a safe space for youth, acts like a second home for some and is very engaged in the larger community."
Finally, Blend Bubble Tea earned the People's Choice Award, with New View Society and Pomme Natural Market taking honourable mentions. A thousand people voted in this category.
The 2015 PoCo Best Biz Awards were sponsored in part by The Tri-City News.
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