The Kelowna Chamber handed out awards to several remarkable individuals Thursday evening, April 25 in recognition of their outstanding community service over the past year at the annual Presidents Dinner at the Coast Capri Hotel.
Former Chair Pamela Pearson received the newly named Marion Bremner Memorial Award for her contributions to the members of the Chamber in 2023-2024. “This coveted award,” said immediate Past Chair Dan Price, “goes to an individual who demonstrated how to fully engage in the community. Pam reached new levels of excellence in her work with the Chamber. Well-deserved.” Pearson was also made an Honorary Life Member of the Chamber, while Price received a ceremonial gavel as retiring Chair of the Board.
Pearson said on receiving the award that she was grateful for the path that Bremner helped pave for women in business in Kelowna. “She was an inspiration to us all,” said Pearson, “and we aspire to live up to her legacy.”
“We look forward to this event every year,” said Chamber Board President & Chair Maryse Harvey, herself a volunteer with the Chamber, recently acceding to the Chair. “We’re fortunate to serve this 118-year-old organization with such a strong cohort of business and non-profit organization leaders. Recognizing our volunteers who contribute at multiple levels of the Chamber is a truly important moment for us as we pause and say thank you. And we’re delighted to contribute $1,000 to Meals on Wheels in Marion Bremner’s name. Marion was the first woman Chair of our Chamber, and an important link in the life of Kelowna, who worked tirelessly for Meals on Wheels for 20 years.”
Many former presidents/chairs of the Chamber celebrated alongside business leaders and elected officials. Awards included:
- Volunteer Award of Excellence 2023: Annika Betts
- Marion Bremner Memorial Director of the Year 2023: Pamela Pearson
- Ambassador of the Year: Ivonne Wojdanski
Event photos are available here.