Centennial Hall was transformed into the Flamingo Room as the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce hosted its Vintage Vegas 2016 Community Excellence Awards.
Board and staff welcomed business and community members to the event, co-hosted by emcees Phillip Hughes and Sean Newton.
In addition to entertainment provided by singer Sam Peters and dancer Cherry Pan Tease, awards in 10 categories were given out to businesses, organizations and individuals nominated by their peers and the community.
“We received some great nominations this year. It was evident that, for some, a lot of consideration and thought went into putting the nomination together,” said Fran Stecyk, chamber board president.
“Nominations were even received from a few communities outside Armstrong-Spallumcheen recognizing local businesses.”
This year featured new awards designed and produced by Final Touch in Armstrong.
The following were recognized:
Rising Star sponsored by Chris Heidt – Tekamar Mortgages: Station Diner;
Micro Business of the Year, sponsored by VantageOne Credit Union: Monshee Outdoors;
Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Blackwell Building Movers: Your Dollar Store with More – Armstrong;
Mid-Size Business of the Year, sponsored by Community Futures North Okanagan: Armstrong Veterinary Clinic;
Corporate Business of the Year, sponsored by Hub International Barton Insurance: Askew’s Foods – Armstrong;
Employee of the Year, sponsored by Shepherd’s Home Hardware and Outdoor Living Centre: Janet Gillis, teacher, Pleasant Valley Secondary School;
Revitalization and Innovation, sponsored by Hytec – A Division of Kohler: Fieldstone Organics;
Hospitality and Tourism, sponsored by the Township of Spallumcheen: Chocoliro Finest Chocolate;
Organization of the Year, sponsored by Okanagan Restoration Services: Armstrong-Spallumcheen Healthcare Auxialliary’s Bargain Bin;
Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by the City of Armstrong: Tayanna Simpson.
Each award winner also received a gift basket compliments of Edge of the Earth Winery, the Village Cheese Company, Terroir Cheese, Bella Stella Cheese and Armstrong Asparagus.
After the show, nominees, sponsors and guests mingled in the Flamingo Room for an evening of networking, including a casino, prizes and refreshments in vintage Vegas style.
“We are so thankful to have the support of our members and local businesses,” said Patti Noonan, chamber executive director.
“We could not present an event like this without their support.’”
Telus, Askew’s Foods, CN, Chocoliro Finest Chocolate, CIBC, Rossworn Henderson, Fieldstone Organics, Imagine Words and Music, Chamber Group Insurance, Salmon Arm Financial and Accent Inns were event sponsors.
Providing the food for the after-party was the 1609 Restaurant and Mile High Catering while Okanagan Spirits and Big Surf provided beverages.
