Local businesses were recognized by the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday at the Business Excellence Awards Nominees and Christmas Luncheon.
Al Hogarth, chamber president, said the luncheon for nominees is a way to show local businesses they are appreciated.
“There was a great deal of nominations this year, which is really enlightening,” he said.
Organizations are nominated by members of the public for their excellent service.
“A lot of these local, smaller businesses contribute a great deal to… both of the municipalities… I think it’s only fair to recognize them for everything that they do,” he said.
Hogarth said the non-profit “celebrates all businesses,” and organizations aren’t required to be chamber members.
“It shows there are people out there that care about local business,” he said.
Guests were welcomed and led through the afternoon event at the Pitt Meadows Golf Club by Flori Chaykowski, executive director.
Nominees were recognized in seven categories: small business of the year, non-profit of the year, community spirit of the year, medium business of the year, large business of the year, business leader of the year and under 40 professional of the year.
READ MORE: Outgoing president proud of Chamber’s business advocacy
During the event people had an opportunity to visit with Santa, purchase 50/50 tickets, and bid on items donated by community business owners.
“The silent auction and any donations that come in – as a non-profit, the Chamber of Commerce – they go to support our Lunch and Learns, or events that we put on, and advocacy… for the chamber members,” explained Chaykowski.
The 50/50 draw raised more than expected, when the owner of the winning ticket, MLA Bob D’Eith, donated his prize to the chamber.
Winners will be announced at the Business Excellence Awards Gala on Feb. 1.
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SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (1-10)
Westridge Drycleaners
M.S. Kahn Business Services Ltd.
Iron Spear Information Security
Fuller Landscaping
Coast Dog Aviation
Albion Tire 2000
Yorkshire Fence & Decks
T’s Once Upon a Tea Leaf
Ryan Heating & Air Conditioning
Haney Marine Sales & Services
Accent Glass
Sugar N Spice
Downes Automotive
Speed Pro Signs
Silver Valley Brewing
Coast Dental Dr. Ron Brar
Lash Freak
Western Shrink Wrap
Unified Training Centre
Phoenix Architectural Millwork
Fuller Watson
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MEDIUM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (11-20)
Pacific Star Electric
Omega Environmental Drilling
Maclean Bros Drywall
Brownies Chicken & Seafood
Intex Maintenance Solutions (Intex Janitorial / Sparkle)
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LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (21+)
Wildplay Maple Ridge
Partap Forest Products
Pitt Meadows Plumbing
Left
Chances Maple Ridge
Haney Builders
Home Restaurant
Pitt Meadows Golf Club
Westminster Savings
Lakeside Caterers
Triple Tree Nursery
Bergthorson Academy
Humble Roots
The Wesbrooke (Casa Living)
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NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR
Ridge Meadows Hospice Society
Meadow Montessori School
Big Brothers & Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley
North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association
posAbilities of British Columbia
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BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR
Brenda Jenkins - MacDonald Realty
Dawn Bickle - Lift Skin Health & Laser
Cheri Hamm - The Place to Mortgage
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COMMUNITY SPIRIT OF THE YEAR
Bryn Peck - Meridian Meats
Ariane Jaschke - Capture Studio
Nicky Tu - Kidsport
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UNDER 40 PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Inder Bring - Golden Ears Physiotherapy
Karl Lundgren - KJL Ventures
Jhan Tamminga - IG Wealth Management
@JotiGrewal_
joti.grewal@blackpress.ca
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