83rd Summerland Business Excellence Awards Survey

Accredited Professional Services Excellence

Awarded to a company or individual, that holds a current professional designation in British Columbia, to provide direct services to individuals, groups, or businesses. They adhere to the highest professional standards in support of their clients. They demonstrate excellence and are a recognized leader in their field of practice.

Agriculture & Agri-Business Excellence

This award recognizes excellence in the Agriculture and Agri-Business sector.

The recipient is an agricultural focused business that consistently demonstrates achievement in their agriculture business sector. The recipient has the characteristics of a successful business with diversification, innovation, sound business practices, workplace safety, and community involvement as part of their corporate identity.

Business of the Year

Business of the Year is awarded to a business that has been established for more than four years. The well rounded recipient is regarded as an industry leader with a strong reputation for business successes. They demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and performance in the key measures of business. The business shows a substantiated history exhibiting sustainable growth.

Business Person of the Year

Business Person of the Year is awarded to an individual displaying outstanding leadership and vision in the Summerland business community. Their business has been operating for at least five years and has succeeded through innovation, risk taking and a commitment to the community.

The recipient serves as a positive role model and mentor for other business people and exemplifies community leadership and dedication.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award

This business/organization has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the creation and operation of an inclusive and welcoming environment that has successfully reduced barriers for all.

Customer Service Excellence

Great customer service is critical to the success of any business. This award is presented to a business (not individual) that is dedicated to continually striving to exceed expectations. They have an ingrained culture through all levels of the organization built around customer experience. Open to any businesses of any size excelling in customer service.

Environmental Sustainability Excellence

The Environmental Sustainability Excellence award recognizes a business or organization who incorporates principles of sustainability into their business decisions. Their activities enhance or protect the environment while meeting commercial demands. They have made a lasting commitment to environmental principles while meeting the needs of the present world without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs.

Hospitality & Tourism Excellence

The Hospitality & Tourism Excellence award is granted to a company or organization which demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the areas of hospitality and tourism. The organization goes above and beyond and provides extraordinary services making visitors and locals alike feel like there’s no better place to visit or live. The entire hospitality and tourism industry is eligible for nomination for this award.

New Business of the Year

New Business of the Year is awarded to a business established in the last 3 years that is considered a rising leader in their sector. This business has demonstrated outstanding sustainable business practices, is financially sustainable and potentially scalable. The business is being managed with a robust planning process and can materially differentiate itself from the competition. The recipient demonstrates leadership, innovation, and sound management practices culminating in exceptional outcomes. The New Business of the Year recipient has shown creativity in its start up, and a strong likelihood of long-term success and contribution to the community.

Non-Profit Organization of the Year

Non-Profit Organization of the Year is awarded to an organization, in a non government sector, that is a not for profit, society, or charity dedicated to making a difference within the sphere of their stated goals and objectives. The organization has an outstanding record of achievement and meets the highest ethical standard of the non profit community. The recipient is a stellar example for similar organizations with demonstrated excellence in the pursuit of their mission. The recipient is recognized as a leader, with a solid reputation, in the non profit community, as well as with the public at large.

Retailer of the Year

Retailer of the Year is awarded to a retail business that has demonstrates outstanding achievement. The award recognizes success, innovation and ethics in business practices. The recipient is a leader with a consistent record of accomplishment, innovative business processes, astute acumen and overall success. The business has success that is outstanding for their size. The recipient is a Summerland retail leader with evidence of sustainable growth, commercial success, and community involvement.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Young Entrepreneur of the Year is awarded to an outstanding entrepreneur age 40 and under that has distinguished themselves by building their own business or as part of the decision making senior management team of a business. This award pays tribute to an outstanding young entrepreneur who has distinguished themselves not only by their success in business, but also by their creativity, innovative spirit and community involvement.

The recipient has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial skills in building their own business, or as part of an existing business. The recipient inspires others with their vision, leadership, and achievement. This award celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing, and dynamic businesses.