The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce (TCCC) provides a voice for more than 1,000 establishments and non-profits in the region.
Several dozen of them were honoured this past weekend, with eight officially adding some hardware to their offices from the 2023 Business Excellence Awards (BEA).
On Saturday (April 30), the TCCC's "Midnight in Paris" theme brought local entrepreneurs together to celebrate their achievements and dedication to community at the Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam (2080 United Blvd.).
Three walked away with the titles of "business of the year:" Jamila's Kitchen and Grill (One to 10 employees), Manhas Health Co. (11 to 30 employees) and Tru Earth Environmental Products Inc. (30 or more employees).
It's the second BEA trophy in three years for Jamila's Kitchen and Grill as owner Malik Malikzada won the "community spirit award" in 2020.
The Barnet Highway restaurant is known for its community generosity, including providing meals to those in need or donating proceeds from certain deliveries to local non-profits.
"We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the community for their support and very happy to receive such amazing award," Jamila's Kitchen wrote on social media.
Manhas Health Co. was recognized for its dedicated team of health professionals, including physicians, personal trainers, chiropractors and registered massage therapists.
According to its website, the Coquitlam-based medical centre is the first known facility in B.C. provide integrated health care "under one roof."
Tru Earth Environmental Products Inc. is also a multi-BEA winner as the Port Moody business took home the "environmental steward award" in 2022.
It creates eco-friendly laundry detergent as part of efforts to reduce chemical and material waste.
Meanwhile, Hema Bhatt of Natu'oil Services Inc. won "business leader of the year," and Port Coquitlam Coun. Paige Petriw was named "young professional of the year" for her work with Spotlight Events.
Other 2023 BEA winners included:
Community Builder of the Year
- Aultrust Financial Ltd.
Not-For-Profit of the Year
- Access Youth Outreach Services
Green Business of the Year
- Ethical Waste Services
Chamber Member of the Year
- Navid Morawej, Aultrust Financial Ltd.
A total of 21 businesses were named finalists after a panel of judges sifted through a combined 100 nominations.
The Tri-City News was a media sponsor of the 2023 Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
