Summerland honoured outstanding efforts at the 75th annual Summerland Business and Community Excellence Awards on Saturday evening.
Mayor Janice Perrino said the award nominees have inspired the community.
“You keep us excited about the possibilities and opportunities open to us,” she said before the awards were presented.
The Tourism and Hospitality Excellence Award went to Local Lounge Grille. Thornhaven Estates Winery was also nominated. The award was sponsored by Sumac Ridge Estate Winery.
The Suburban Princess Boutique received the Retail Excellence Award. The other nominee was A and A Mini Storage and Wine Cellar. The award was sponsored by the Summerland Review.
The Trade Services Excellence Award went to Summerland Tirecraft. Trevor’s Lawn Service had also been nominated. Brown Benefits sponsored the award.
The Professional Services Excellence Award was given to DogLeg Marketing and Business Solutions. Also nominated was Avery Law Office.Petkau Infotech sponsored the award.
Ogopogo Meats and Sausages received the Manufacturing/Industrial Excellence Award. Range Rider Truck Canopy Specialists had also been nominated. The award was sponsored by Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen.
SummerGate Winery received the Sustainability Leader Award. Qualas Development Corporation was the other nominee in this category. Avery Law Office sponsored the award.
ElectroMotion Energy Corp. received the Technology and Innovation Award. The other nominee in this category was Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc. Accellerate Okanagan was the sponsor of the award.
True Grain Bread received the Rising Star Award, given to a new business. North West Technology Inc. was also a nominee in this category. RBC Royal Bank was the sponsor.
Valerie Wright received the Citizen/Volunteer of the Year Award. David Gregory had also been nominated. The award was sponsored by Nesters Market.
The Mayor’s Award of Excellence was presented to the Summerland Lions Club.
The service club was formed in 1973 and has contributed to numerous projects in the community over the years.
IGA Summerland was named Business of the Year. Okanagan Crush Pad had also been nominated. The award was sponsored by Summerland Credit Union.
“I’m very honoured to receive this award,” said Colin Powell, manager of IGA.
“This award is a recognition of the team we’ve established at the store and the people we have serving the community of Summerland on a day-to-day basis.”
The awards gala, held at the Summerland Waterfront Resort, was organized by the Summerland Chamber of Economic Development and Tourism.
Nominations came from the community and finalists were selected by a committee consisting of chamber president Arlene Fenrich, Darin Fair, Robert Hacking, Linda Van Alphen and David Cassidy.
Members of the chamber then voted for the recipients in each category.