There's only a few days left for local residents to make a case for why their favourite business(es) should be recognized for the work they've accomplished this year.
The deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Friday (Nov. 25) for the nomination period for the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce (TCCC) Business Excellence Awards, which honours the top entrepreneurs and non-profits in the region.
There are eight trophies up for grabs this year, including three in the business of the year category, broken down by small-, medium- and large-sized companies.
The TCCC represents more than 800 businesses across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.
To create a nomination, you don't need to be a chamber member.
However, interested residents are asked to register via the TCCC's website to enter a category.
From there, submissions are encouraged to be as thorough as possible in order for judges to better determine the finalists.
Last year, a total of 94 individual businesses were nominated for the 2021 excellence awards, which were then cut down to 37 finalists.
Winners are set to be unveiled at the TCCC's Business Excellence Awards Gala — scheduled to tentatively take place April 29, 2023.
For more information, you can visit the TCCC's website.
The categories, their criteria and last year's winners are as follows:
Business of the Year
- 2022 Winner(s)
- Squish Juicery (one to 10 employees)
- Strive Health and Performance (11 to 30 employees)
- Big Hearts Home Care (30 or more employees)
- Criteria:
- Demonstrates an exceptional level of leadership and is regarded as a leader in its industry
- Demonstrates excellence in performance as evidenced by longevity, retention, financial growth, and reputation (please provide documentation if at all possible)
- Innovative based on the unique product and/or service it provides to the Tri-Cities, including exceptional customer service and satisfaction, and community services
- Demonstrates a positive social conscience by utilizing its resources to improve its community through events and initiatives, support of local not-for-profits, and reducing its environmental impact
- Has an overall positive impact on the Tri-Cities and makes the community a better place to live and work
Business Leader of the Year
- 2022 Winner
- Kyle O’Genski, Patina Brewing Co.
- Criteria:
- Has a proven track record of sustained success in his or her field
- Has had a significant impact on his or her business as evidenced by growth, innovation, and an established reputation as a business leader
- Demonstrates leadership by way of giving back through participation with local business initiatives and not-for-profit organizations
- Has a reputation of business excellence and expertise in his or her field
- Has an innovative spirit and has demonstrated an exceptional level of performance and dedication to leadership
Business Resiliency Award
- 2022 Winner
- Criteria:
- Responded to the pandemic with an exceptional level of leadership
- Reacted positively to business interruptions during the pandemic
- Found innovative ways to sustain and grow their business during the pandemic and beyond
- The business supported its staff throughout the shutdown and pandemic
- Demonstrates a positive social conscience by utilizing its resources to improve its community
Community Spirit Award
- 2022 Winner
- Criteria:
- Uses their resources to provide outstanding support to local initiatives and not-for-profit organizations
- Embodies leadership in community initiatives and has had a significant positive impact on the Tri-Cities community
- Demonstrates a passion for the community, making a positive difference and giving back
- Demonstrates an outstanding generous spirit and dedication to making the Tri-Cities a better place to live and work
Not-for-Profit of the Year
- 2022 Winner
- Criteria:
- Has an established reputation within the community for providing exceptional programs and services
- Provides innovative programs and services that would not otherwise be available to those in the community
- Has a strong local impact
- Has exceptional reach within the Tri-Cities community
Young Professional of the Year
- 2022 Winner
- Paul Choi, Juris Notary
- Criteria:
- Embodies leadership and support in community initiatives and has had a significant positive impact on the Tri-Cities community and local businesses
- Has a proven track record of sustained success, leadership, and growth in his or her field
- Has had a significant impact on his or her business as evidenced by growth, innovation, and an established reputation as a business leader
- Has a reputation of business excellence and expertise in his or her field
- Showcases dedication to his or her company and bettering both the community and him or herself
Environmental Steward of the Year
- 2022 Winner
- Criteria:
- Demonstrates an in-depth understanding and an outstanding, cooperative effort to environmental sustainability
- Is a role model for businesses in environmental sustainability best practices (recycling, composting, energy/water conservation, gardening, etc.)
- Demonstrates sustainable business practices in its own operations (aside from the product or service for sale)
- Helps to build environmental awareness and promote environmental stewardship within the Tri-Cities environmental landscape
- Has milestones and/or measurable accomplishments that demonstrate effective sustainable operations
