Key Business Awards
Kevan Springford and his wife, Jenny Kerkovius, of Fifth Avenue have already won four Key Business awards and were nominated again this year. They were among the finalists recognised at a reception sponsored by Coast Capital Savings Credit Union at Volcanic Hills Winery Wednesday evening.
From the Westside’s first plant tissue cultivation propagation company to a Junior A Hockey team, the approximately 30 finalists in the Greater Westside Board of Trade’s Key Business Awards all have one thing in common — a commitment to excellence.
The finalists were recognized at a reception sponsored by Coast Capital Savings Credit Union at Volcanic Hills Winery Wednesday evening that attracted about 100 people.
This year saw a record number of nominations, just over 100 which Karen Beaubier of the Greater Westside Board called a testament to the business community recognizing excellence among themselves.
Beaubier noted the awards play an important role in how Westside businesses are going to continue to thrive as they encourage businesses to do business on the Westside first before looking elsewhere.
The judging committee determined almost 30 finalists across 11 categories, including Tourism and Hospitality, Community and Public Service, Aboriginal Business, New Business, Young Entrepreneur, Small Business, Large Business, Platinum Service Provider, Sustainable Green Business and Performing Arts.
The winner of Business of the Year will be selected from the winners in each category.
Among the finalists were some new faces and some familiar faces.
Dr. Ashish Dave of Floramaxx Technologies, the first biotech company on the Westside, is a finalist for New Business. The company offers wholesale plant cloning with Bylands as one of its customers.
Kevan Springford and his wife, Jenny Kerkovius, of Fifth Avenue Auto have already won a Key Business award four times and were nominated again this year.
Springford attributes his success to systems and procedures, consistently delivering good service and treating clients like best friends.
The West Kelowna Warriors are finalists for an award, which Alex Draper, director of business operations for the team, called an unbelievable 180 degree turn, considering a year ago the team was on the brink of moving or folding.
The winners will be announced Nov. 2 at the Key Business Awards Gala at 19 Okanagan Grill and Bar at Two Eagles Golf Course from 5 to 10 p.m.
Tickets cost $80 and include a three-course dinner, wine service and cash bar.
Contact Heather for tickets at 250-768-3378 or e-mail accounting@gwboardoftrade.com.
As well, the Geoffrey Paynter Citizen of the Year Award will be handed out at the gala. The inaugural award was presented posthumously to local businessman Geoffrey Paynter, who Beaubier called the epitome of the person to win the award, last year shortly after his death.