Kelowna: The Kelowna Chamber just opened 2025 nominations for the 38th annual Business Excellence Awards: A Night of Champions. Business owners, entrepreneurs, not for profits and arts and cultural groups can take part. Nominations close September 12. Applicants may apply for two of the sixteen categories listed below. All award applications are reviewed by the Chamber’s independent judging panel, and Finalists’ places of business are visited by judges prior to decisions on award winners and runners-up. Applications are welcomed from businesses and organizations in Kelowna and area.
“This is our favourite program each year,” says Chamber President Derek Gratz. “The awards provide an in-depth picture of local business leaders, raising the profile of successful innovators in our community, ensuring that the hard work and creativity of our local stars is recognized throughout the area.
New this year is the Top Sales Professional of the Year award, which gives a nod to one of the leading professions in the Okanagan. The big winner in 2024 was KF Aerospace, which nabbed the Large Business of the Year Award. Over 400 people attended the gala last year.
Nominations may be made at the link kelownachamber.org/events-programs/business-excellence-awards/. Nomination criteria are listed on the site. Businesses and individuals may also self-nominate. Finalists in each category will be announced at a special event October 3, and the winners will be announced at the Gala October 30th at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort.
One additional Award, Business Leader of the Year, will be determined by the judges. In 2024, the Award went to Allison Young, CEO, KGH Foundation.
Presenting Sponsors for the Program are Lawson Lundell LLP & Beem Credit Union.
Nominations are now open and will remain open until September 12. Application packages will be sent to everyone who is nominated and are due back for judges’ review by September 12.
Categories for Awards in 2025 include:
- Arts & Entertainment Excellence
- Business Leader of the Year
- Excellence in Agriculture
- Excellence in Business Ethics
- Excellence in Community Impact
- Excellence in Environmental Impact
- Excellence in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
- Excellence in Tourism
- Indigenous Business of the Year
- Large Business of the Year
- Mid-size Business of the Year
- Not-for-Profit Excellence
- Rising Star Business of the Year
- Small Business of the Year
- Top Sales Professional of the Year (Inaugural)
- Technology Innovator of the Year
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year