41st Annual Business Excellence Awards
Celebrating Greater Vernon's Business Success
The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce was proud to host the 41st Annual Business Excellence Awards on Thursday, October 23. It was a vibrant evening that began with Appie Hour from 6 to 7, followed by the much-anticipated announcement of this year’s winners across 19 categories — celebrating the outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals that make our community thrive.
Highlights from last years' event.
2025 Nominees
Large Business of the Year
Award sponsored by MNP
Winner: The Rise Resort
Nominees:
| Lake City Casino |
| Nixon Wenger LLP |
| The Rise Resort |
Employer of the Year
Award sponsored by City of Vernon
Winner: Rusty Spur Farm, Feed & Pet
Nominees:
| Pivot Rx |
| Nixon Wenger LLP |
| COBS Bread |
| The Rise Resort |
| The Hot Room @Studio Be |
| Agile BK |
| Bracken Insurance Services Ltd. |
| Rusty Spur Farm, Feed & Pet |
Medium Business of the Year
Award sponsored byDuMoulin Boskovich LLP
Winner: Rusty Spur Farm, Feed & Pet
Nominees:
| Pivot Rx |
| Browns Transport Inc |
| COBS Bread |
| Total Restoration Services |
| White House Mortgages |
| The Hot Room @Studio Be |
| Rusty Spur Farm, Feed & Pet |
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Award Sponsored by Nixon Wenger LLP
Winner: Samantha Sewell, Raising Stars Preschool
Nominees:
| Crimson Oath Tattoo |
| Above & Beyond Exterior Designs |
| La Flor Studio |
| Simon's Coins |
| Raising Stars Preschool Ltd. |
| The Collar Club Inc |
| Myrissa's Slushy Stand at Vernon Teach and Learn |
| Alyssa Wiens Laser & Aesthetics |
Small Business of the Year
Award sponsored by Community Futures North Okanagan
Winner: Raven Hair Studio
Nominees:
| Spiritleaf Vernon |
| Infinite Beauty |
| Integra Tire Vernon |
| Dr. Phone Fix |
| O'Haira's The Salon |
| Empowered Recreation and Rehabilitation for Seniors |
| Raven Hair Studio |
| Ambolt Hvac Ltd. |
| Deem Health + Fitness |
| The Room Collection |
| Braden Kipp Physiotherapist |
| Pawsitively Canine |
| Local Collective Therapy Center |
| Raising Stars Preschool Ltd. |
| City Dance |
| Obsidian Games |
| The Silver Citizen |
Business Leader of the Year
Award sponsored by TD Benefits
Winner: Deb White - White House Mortgages
Nominees:
| Sarah Ballantyne - Spiritleaf Vernon |
| Jake Gibson - Vernon Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Electrical Services |
| Julia Payson - CMHA Vernon |
| Heather Lastik - COBS Bread |
| Deb White - White House Mortgages |
Diversity Excellence
Award sponsored by Kal Tire
Winner: Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District Branch
Nominees:
| Lake City Casino |
| Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District Branch |
| Agile BK |
Retail Business of the Year
Award sponsored by Downtown Vernon Association
Winner: Kaleco Clothing
Nominees:
| Spiritleaf Vernon |
| Nolan's Pharmasave |
| Kaleco Clothing Ltd. |
| Cento Wear |
| COBS Bread |
| LINQ Flooring Inc |
| FILL- Vernon"s Refill Store |
| Planet Bee Honey Farm |
Non-Profit Excellence
Award sponsored by Community Foundation North Okanagan
Winner: Community Dental Access Centre
Nominees:
| Diversity Den Society |
| Allan Brooks Nature Centre |
| North Okanagan Community Life Society |
| Turning Points Collaborative Society |
| Fresh Outlook Foundation |
| Fletcher's Keep Senior Dog Foundation |
| Community Dental Access Centre |
| Halina Activity Centre |
| Forever Home Sanctuary |
| Mackie Lake House |
| North Okanagan Community Chaplaincy |
Customer Service Excellence
Award sponsored by Kelowna International Airport
Winner: Dr. Phone Fix
Nominees:
| Spiritleaf Vernon |
| Dr. Phone Fix |
| Pivot Rx |
| Quality Inn and Suites Vernon |
| Vernon Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical Services |
| TNJ Plumbing & Heating Ltd. |
| Magnetsigns Vernon |
| DEEM Health + Fitness |
| The Room Collection |
| Braden Kipp Physiotherapist |
| Nixon Wenger LLP |
| Pawsitively Canine |
| COBS Bread |
| Vernon Tireland Ltd |
| La Carraia Galateria |
| White House Mortgages |
| Orchard Valley Retirement Residence |
| CMD Accounting Services Inc. |
Trades Business of the Year
Award sponsored by Scotiabank
Winner: Applewood Heating & Air Conditioning
Nominees:
| Monashee Garage Doors LTD |
| Vernon Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical Services |
| Ambolt HVAC Ltd. |
| TNJ Plumbing & Heating Ltd. |
| Applewood Heating & Air Conditioning |
| Sunset West Mechanical Ltd. |
| Vernon Custom Garage Ltd |
Tourism Excellence
Award sponsored by Tourism Vernon
Winner: Grace & Flow Events
Nominees:
| Allan Brooks Nature Centre |
| Grace & Flow Events |
| The Rise Resort |
| Planet Bee Honey Farm |
Restaurant of the Year
Award sponsored by Okanagan Spring Brewery
Winner: The Edge Restaurant & Bar
Nominees:
| Match Eatery & Public House |
| Friesens Countrytyme Gardens |
| The Edge Restaurant & Bar |
| Browns Socialhouse Village Green |
| Masiero Pizzeria |
Professional Business of the Year
Award sponsored by TD Bank
Winner: Steve Braun Coaching & Counselling
Nominees:
| Silver Star Line Marking |
| Steve Braun Coaching & Counselling |
| Braden Kipp Physiotherapist |
| The Rock Garden Climbing Center |
| Raising Stars Preschool Ltd. |
| North Okanagan Foot & Ankle Clinic |
| White House Mortgages |
New Business of the Year
Award sponsored by Tolko Industries
Winner: RISE Gymnastics Academy
Nominees:
| Pup-n-Cup Family Cafe & Shop |
| Oopsie Daisy Flowers, Gifts and Baskets |
| Monashee Garage Door |
| Phreeagent Creative Media |
| Glenbawn Landscape Construction |
| Setanta Landscapes Ltd |
| Consumed Autoworx |
| Cedar & Soak |
| Simon's Coins |
| TJH Insurance advisor |
| Red Tomato Pies |
| Kalamalka Eye Care |
| RISE Gymnastics Academy |
| SVOI media |
*New* Agri-Business Excellence
Award sponsored by Armstrong Regional Coop
Winner: Silverstar Veggies
Nominees:
| Silverstar Veggies |
| Yankee Flats Meats |
Chamber Champion Award
Award sponsored by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce
Winner: Tourism Vernon
Tourism Vernon was named this year’s Chamber Champion for their exceptional dedication to supporting local businesses and promoting our region as a premier destination. Despite being a small team, they have a big impact — showcasing the best of the North Okanagan through strategic marketing, meaningful partnerships, and creative campaigns that drive visitation and economic growth. Their vision, execution, and unwavering support for the local business community make them a standout organization and a true champion of Vernon.
Photo credit: Peter Solymosi
Thank You Sponsors
