Celebrating the best in business
The Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards was held Oct. 23 at the Best Western.
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Updated: October 29, 2009 9:48 AM
The crystals in the ballroom sparkled as hundreds of local business supporters made their way to the 2009 Mission Business Excellence Awards at the Best Western last Friday night.
The David Priest Trio jazzed up the room with their music, and host Curtis Pope from Country 107.1 FM provided some laughs throughout the evening.
Chamber of Commerce vice-president Helen Secco introduced the dignitaries and welcomed everyone to the event. Sean Melia, president, was vacationing in Ireland, but made a surprise appearance via the Internet. As he raised his beer mug, Melia apologized for not attending the event in person.
He spoke highly on the quality of businesses and community groups in Mission and applauded the more than 60 nominees in the room. He also thanked the 24 judges who were tasked with the difficult decisions.
A sneak peak at the chamber’s new website was unveiled. The new site will be launched in November.
Presenting sponsor Ted Adlem, of Pete’s Place Pizza, spoke to the talent of the entrepreneurs in the room as well, and expanded on how small business is the driver of the economy.
As a long time chamber member, he voiced “getting involved in the chamber was the best marketing decision I ever made!”
After a delicious buffet dinner, the much-anticipated winners were announced.
Winners, some close to tears, thanked their supporters and the community for the success of their businesses. Each expressed how honoured they were to be recognized as leaders in the community.
The winners in each category are listed in the following pages. Profiles of each company were published in last week’s special Business Excellence Awards section of The Record.
As the gala evening wound down, items at the Silent Auction were quickly snapped up.
“The auction raised over $2,000 towards the Chamber’s Entrepreneurial Bursary,” reported chamber manager Michelle Favero. “It will allow us to award a significant bursary again this school year.”
The bursary is awarded each year to a Mission high school student pursuing a post-secondary commerce degree, and is managed through the Mission Community Foundation.
This year's winners were:
• Business of the Year: 15+
Mission Springs Brewing Company and Pub
• Business of the Year: 15-
Sunshine Enrichment Centre
• Business Leader of the Year
Steve Sharpe
• Non-Profit of the Year
Mission Association for Community Living
• Customer Experience
Oasis Rejuvenation Spa and Retreat
• Eco Star
Phoenix Marine Services
• Entrepreneurial Excellence
Fraser Valley Academy of Dance
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Tracy Loffler
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