Saturday’s Business Excellence Awards were out of this world, explained Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce executive director Kristi Maier, and not just because of the space theme either.
On March 9, business leaders, politicians, and community members flocked to the Albion Community Centre to help celebrate local businesses at the annual BEA gala.
“I’m in awe of how everything turned out,” said Maier. “It went exactly how we envisioned it.”
In addition to handing out awards across 10 different categories, the evening also involved a fully catered meal and dessert table, live music, dancing, and a multi-coloured light show performed by jugglers dressed in otherworldly outfits.
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Maier explained that the gala was the culmination of months of hard work and planning by the chamber team, with the ultimate goal of creating the biggest and best gala the community had ever seen.
“We wanted to create an event where businesses could come and feel so proud to be a part of these communities,” said Maier.
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Throughout the night, dozens of local business members took to the stage to either present or accept an award, with Maier calling the event the highlight of her career.
The full list of award winners includes:
• Oak and Ivory Collective (Micro Business of the Year)
• Foamers’ Folly Brewing Co. (Small Business of the Year)
• Amsterdam Garden Centre (Medium Business of the Year)
• Hopcott Farms (Large Business of the Year)
• Bruce’s Pet and Farm Supply (New Business of the Year)
• Lucy Meechan (Young Entrepreneur of the Year)
• Maple Ridge Climate Hub (Environmental Leadership Award)
• Maple Ridge Community Foundation (Non-Profit of the Year)
• Kim Dumore (Ridge Meadows Community Spirit Award)
• Frank So (Business Leader of the Year)
READ MORE: Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows businesses showered in awards at BEA Gala
Maier said she was overwhelmed by all the praise given to the chamber at the event, and was especially touched by the story that Travis Hopcott shared when accepting Hopcott Farms’ award for the Large Business of the Year.
Hopcott explained that when Maier took over as the chamber’s new executive director in late 2022, his family business was questioning the value of their chamber membership. However, after having a conversation with Maier, the Hopcotts decided to give her a year to change their minds, which she managed to do quite successfully, explained Hopcott.
“That story alone shows how far we’ve come in a short time,” said Maier.
As successful as this year’s award show was, Maier said she wants to keep getting better with each BEA gala.
“I want to give a big thank you to everyone who attended and helped with the gala,” said Maier. “Having all those people there and selling out the event has meant the world to us.”