More than 200 people representing 95 businesses came out for the Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce's annual Business Excellence Awards on Nov. 23.
The vote-based awards highlight the best Castlegar has to offer.
Two merit-based awards – the Chamber of Commerce Board's Choice and the Lifetime Achievement Award – mark significant contributions and years of service.
This year, the Board's Choice Award went to the Kootenay Society for Community Living for their "profound impact on the community and region, their commitment to the clients they serve, the community at large and the care of their employees."
The nonprofit organization was founded in the 1950s and has served children and adults with diverse abilities ever since, expanding to the entire Kootenay-Boundary region. The organization now employs about 150 staff members and offers a wide range of service from day programs, employment supports and housing.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Shawn Biln and the Castlegar Pharmasave. The store has been family owned since 1964 and was previously owned by Biln's father.
The remaining awards were:
Business Excellence – Trowelex
Business Person of the Year – Harold Chernoff, Trowelex
Manager of the Year – Sally Diep, Humble Bean
Young Entrepreneur – Robyn Kalnins, Common Grounds
Customer Service Excellence – Tie – Undercover Secrets and Bry & Bean
The Green Award – Selkirk College
Professional Services Award – Kootenay Integrated Health
Contractor of the Year – Dirty Diggers
Tourism Development – Castlegar Sculpturewalk
Community Social Award – West Kootenay SPCA
Home Based Business – Sentinel Meats
Restaurant Award – Tacos El Gringo
Innovator of the Year – Kalesnikoff Lumber
