The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce held its Business Achievement Awards on June 18, but in virtual fashion due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The awards ceremony was scheduled to take place on March 19 but had to rescheduled.
The popular event, co-sponsored by The PQB News, was held via Zoom and it was emceed by Dave Graham and Bill Dean.
Kim Burden, executive director of the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce said it was a welcome interruption to its traditional routine.
‘The Business Achievement Awards is an annual highlight for the chamber, and we had to figure out a way to recognize our finalists and winners,” said Burden. “We’ve worked to make a virtual event for the business community, and I think something special for the finalists that shows our appreciation for our sponsors, staff and board of directors. As always, it is important for us as a chamber to honour and support the great businesses in our region.”
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Jean Maltesen, president of the board of directors, called the modified ceremony a great success.
It’s a very memorable experience for finalists and their supporters and we are happy to have been able to host this wonderful community event,” said Maltesen.
The seven category winners and a special Community Spirit Award and Chamber Award recipients are:
Service Excellence Award Winner — M&N Mattress & Sofa
Small Business of the Year — Tablet Pharmacy
Large Business of the Year — Cascadia Martial Arts
Outstanding Workplace, Employer of the Year — Sarina Tryon, Paradise Child Care Centre
Young Professional of the Year — Breanna Quinney, LaVida Lashes & Boutique
Not for Profit of the Year — Arrowsmith Health Care Society
Tourism & Hospitality – Destination PQB — North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
The Community Spirit Award, sponsored and selected by the Society of Organized Services, was presented to Parksville-Qualicum Community Foundation. The Community Spirit Award recognizes a business or individual that demonstrated exceptional commitment to developing and encouraging community spirit and pride.
The Chamber Award, sponsored by Namaskar Yoga Studio and Parksville Community Centre was presented to ‘chamber cheerleader’ Bill Rutledge of Thrifty Foods.
— NEWS Staff, submitted
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