VERNON – The very best of Greater Vernon’s entrepreneurship was celebrated at the Annual Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce (GVCC) Business Excellence Awards that was a near sell out at the Best Western Vernon Lodge on Saturday night (March 7th).

Close to 300 were in attendance to recognize the top businesses and organizations in twelve different categories including the Business of the Year which went to Piscine Energetics Inc. The firm was also recognized as Manufacturer of the Year.

“Each of our award winners represent dynamic organizations who have given back to the community in many ways,” says Jaron Chasca, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce president. “I’d like to congratulate them all and wish them many more years of continued success.”

Piscine Energetics, headquartered in the North Okanagan has been revolutionizing the ornamental aquaculture and aquarium industry through innovation in aquatic nutrition. Piscine Energetics produces a nutritionally complete fish food for a global market sustainably harvested from Okanagan Lake. (See more at: http://www.mysis.com)

Bannister Honda also had a good night winning the Employer of the Year as well as being recognized as the Marketer of the Year for companies with more than 10 employees.

Other winners include:
·       Small Business of the Year: Caufields Engraving
·       Marketer of the Year (under 10 employees): Vernon Farmers Market
·       Professional Service Award: Meridian Rehabilitation Consulting Inc.
·       Sterling Service Award: The Room Collection
·       New Business of the Year: Top Knot Events
·       Green Business of the Year: Healthy Spot Pet Nutrition & Supply
·       Community Supporter of the Year: VantageOne Credit Union
·       Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Camillia Courts Photography

“The strength of the nominations we received indicates the high quality of entrepreneurship in the North Okanagan,” says Dan Rogers, GVCC general manager. “Many of these businesses started small, and the growth and success they have exhibited is a credit to their hard work and the support of the wider community. It is important that we celebrate that success.”

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is a non-partisan, business advocacy organization that is the influential voice of business for close to 600 members and their thousands of employees in the Greater Vernon area. GVCC’s mission is to improve the local business climate, enhancing its members’ ability to do business through advocacy and member services.