Nominations are now open for the 2025 Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
But the nonprofit has some different categories next year to honour outstanding companies and entrepreneurs.
Until Friday, Nov. 15, the Chamber is calling for candidates operating in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore or Belcarra for its seven groupings:
- Business Leader of the Year
- Business of the Year
- 1–20 employees
- Business of the Year
- 20+ employees
- Not-for-Profit of the Year
- Young Professional of the Year
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Award of Distinction
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) Torch Award for Ethics
Unlike previous years, there is no category for Green Business of the Year nor Community Champion of the Year.
As well, there are now only two categories for Business of the Year (in past years, it was split into three based on the number of employees).
CEO Leslie Courchesne told the Tri-City News today, Oct. 7, that the DEI award was recommended by the Chamber’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, as well as members, while the BBB prize is a result of the group’s new partnership with that organization in the Lower Mainland.
“The categories we are not offering this year may be offered again in future years,” she said.
“We want to ensure our Business Excellence Awards remain at the forefront of business success and are showcased at the premier business gala of the Tri-Cities.”
Two judging panels will select the winners, who will be named on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at a Chamber gala; the BBB Torch Award for Ethics will be reviewed by judges from that agency.
The cost to submit a nomination is $25 plus tax via the Chamber’s website.
Courchesne said it’s the second year the Chamber has charged a fee for nominations.
“It is to help cover costs and ensure nominators and nominees are invested in the process. We have kept the fee as low as possible at $25 this year to ensure we promote wide participation.”
In April, the Chamber handed out 2024 Business Excellence Awards for:
- Chamber Member of the Year
- Shelley Linn
- Young Professional of the Year
- Becca Yu
- Business Leader of the Year
- Jason Zanatta of Novo Textiles
- Green Business of the Year
- Moment Energy
- Not-for-Profit of the Year
- Coquitlam Foundation
- Business of the Year (1–10 employees)
- Olive the Best
- Business of the Year (11–29 employees)
- Cassandra Cake Co.
- Business of the Year (30+ employees)
- Lordco Auto Parts
- Community Champion of the Year
- Tracy Price
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