Drumroll, please.
The champions in 16 categories of the 38th annual Kamloops Business Excellence Awards have been revealed.
The biggest winner was Kamloops Home Hardware Building Centre with victories in three categories -- 'business person of the year' for owner Rick Kurzac, 'retailer of the year' and 'service provider for a business with 11 or more staff'.
"These awards are testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire team," reads the post to the store's Facebook page after the wins.
"Their unwavering commitment to serving our customers and our community with excellence is truly what drives our success. Huge thanks also belongs to our loyal customers for trusting us to meet your needs and for choosing to spend your hard-earned dollars with us. We know that in these days of Amazon and a vast selection of online shopping options, supporting a local business is a choice. Your support means everything to us."
Another big winner was Vavacity Technologies, which picked up trophies in two categories -- the marquee 'business of the year' and 'emerging business of the year'.
Vivacity provides digital and security infrastructure and information technology consulting to a wide variety of clients, including municipalities, small and medium-sized businesses and First Nations.
“MNP wants to congratulate the winners of the 38th annual Business Excellence Awards," said Jessy Sra, CPA, a Partner and Business Advisor with MNP, which is the premier sponsor of the awards.
"Your outstanding achievements not only reflect excellence in your business but also embody the spirit of innovation, dedication, and community that makes Kamloops such a vibrant place to live and work.”
The trophies were handed out at an awards ceremony in Thompson River University's Grand Hall.
"We are thrilled for the finalists and winners, whose resilience, innovation, and excellence have shone through, encouraging us all to aim higher and celebrate the strength of our community," said Acacia Pangilinan, executive director of the Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce, which puts on the awards.
"Their efforts inspire us all, and it was truly special to come together in celebration of the vibrant diversity and strength of the businesses in the Kamloops region.”
The 2024 Business Excellence Awards Winners are:
Business person of the year (sponsored by Abbott Wealth Management – Harbourfront Wealth Management)
- Rick Kurzac of Kamloops Home Hardware Building Centre
Business of the year (sponsored by Fit Financial)
- Vivacity Technologies
Emerging business of the year (sponsored by Community Futures Thompson Country
- Vivacity Technologies
Retailer of the year (sponsored by Andre’s Electronic Experts)
- Kamloops Home Hardware Building Centre
Young entrepreneur of the year (sponsored by Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics)
- Cecile Tucker of WellMind Counselling
Small business of the year (sponsored by Venture Kamloops)
- Amplify Consulting Inc.
Service provider business with 11+ staff award (sponsored by Dearborn Ford)
- Kamloops Home Hardware Building Centre
Service provider business with 1-10 staff award (sponsored by Cutting Edge Consulting)
- I.T. ISIN Solutions
Innovation award (sponsored by BC Lottery Corporation)
- Progressive Planet Solutions
Environmental leadership award (sponsored by Rocky Mountaineer)
- Our Footprints Eco Store and Refillery
Excellence in trades (sponsored by New Gold)
- Cutting Edge Consulting
Inclusive leadership award (sponsored by Open Door Group)
- Let's Move Studio
Indigenous business excellence (sponsored by Sc.wén̓wen Economic Development)
- The Lux Loo Portable Restrooms Ltd.
First Nations employer of the year (sponsored by Community Futures of Central Interior)
- Maxwell Mechanical
Community service award (sponsored by the City of Kamloops)
- The Noble Pig Brewhouse
Not-For-Profit of the year (sponsored by Trans Mountain)
- Open Door Group
