A long-time, family-run enterprise is the winner of the 2012 Spirit of Downtown Vernon Award.
Fisher’s Hardware, a multi-generation family business that has been in operation for 77 years, was presented with the honour at the Downtown Vernon Association’s AGM Wednesday night at the Elks Hall.
Larry and Kelly Fisher accepted the award, presented by DVA president Ruth Hoyte and Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky.
To be eligible for the award, businesses have to have been in operation in downtown Vernon for at least 20 years, reflect the downtown’s historic character, have had a significant financial impact on downtown, and have a record of participation in community activities.
A DVA committee selected Fisher’s from a field of four candidates. Other candidates for the 2012 award were Briteland Holdings, Carousel Consignments and Nixon Wenger Lawyers LLP. The judging panel felt Fisher’s outstanding customer service has set a benchmark for all of downtown to aspire to.
As the keynote speaker, Sawatzky presented the audience with a detailed review of the revitalization tax exemption program recently adopted by council to promote economic development.
The meeting also saw the election of five directors – Carla Dahlen (Century 21), Trevor Henke (Vernon Teach and Learn), Mary-Jo O’Keefe (MJO Tours), Gordon Passmore (HSBC Bank of Canada) and Nadine Wilson (Nadine’s Fine Arts and Frames).
Certificates of commendation for prior service on the DVA board were presented to Bruce Barnard, Judi Barnard, Pat Cochrane, Juliette Cunningham, Dahlen, Morley Miller, Nola Neilson, O’Keefe and Klaus Tribes.
