Outstanding businesses, individuals and organizations received recognition at the 77th annual Summerland Business and Community Awards on Saturday evening.
The awards gala was organized by the Summerland Chamber of Commerce and held at the Summerland Waterfront Resort.
A total of 11 awards were presented.
Billy Boerboom received the Citizen/Volunteer of the Year award for his ongoing community service.
Boerboom has been a member of the Summerland Fire Department for 25 years and volunteers for the Summerland Sportsmen’s Association.
He is best know as the co-owner of the Windmill Garden Centre Apple Barn. For years he has supplied locally grown apples to schools in the community.
“Fresh fruit builds good minds,” he said.
He is also spearheading a new fundraising initiative for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
From each 10-lb. bag of Garden Centre apples sold through Nesters Market in Summerland, $3 will be donated to the organization.
“I think it’s important to be the best person you can be every day,” Boerboom said, speaking about the motivation for his community involvement.
True Grain Bread was named Business of the Year.
“It’s really nice to get the recognition. I’m still in shock,” Todd Laidlaw, owner of the bakery, said following the awards ceremony.
The Mayor’s Award of Excellence was given to the Summerland Sister City Committee.
The committee was created 28 years ago and has worked to establish Summerland’s Sister City agreement with Toyokoro, Japan.
Two of the original members of the committee, Darlene Forsdick and Lorrie Forde, are both stepping down this year.
Other community businesses were also recognized at the awards ceremony.
Zias Stonehouse Restaurant received the Tourism and Hospitality Excellence Award.
IGA Summerland received the Retail Excellence Award.
Canyon View Construction Ltd. received the Trade Services Excellence Award.
Denese Espeut-Post of Avery Law Office received the Professional Services Excellence Award.
Ripley Stainless Ltd. received the Manufacturing/Industrial Excellence Award.
Swiss Solar Tech received the Sustainability Leader Award.
Dallas Bradner Jr. and Kim Kothlow of Summerland Rental Centre received the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Mazza Innovation and Okanagan Specialty Fruits both received the Technology and Innovation Award.
Main Street Fitness and Yoga Studio received the Rising Star award.
Members of the chamber voted for the various nominees in all business categories. Voting in the Citizen/Volunteer of the Year Award was open to the entire community.