There was a lot of spirit during the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence awards.
Okanagan Spirits walked away with business of the year and small business of the year honours during the gala celebration at the Best Western Vernon Lodge Saturday.
Businesses were nominated in 12 categories.
“We are extremely happy with the number and quality of participating businesses this year,” said George Duffy, executive director.
“The judging panel noted that the candidates in the top three positions in each category were very close to each other.”
Besides Okanagan Spirits, the other big winner was Silver Star Mountain Resort, which was named the marketer of the year (10-plus employees) and top community supporter.
Back to Earth Enviro Products won green business of the year while marketer of the year (under 10 employees) is BX Press Cidery and Farm.
The honour for exporter of the year was presented to Creative Connectors and the Sterling Service Award winner is Fisher’s Hardware.
Richwood Fencing took home the young entrepreneur of the year award and White House Mortgages is the recipient of the professional services award.
The employer of the year is VantageOne Credit Union while the new business of the year is Graydon Security.
