Port Coquitlam businesses were in the spotlight when the city held its first PoCo Best Biz Awards celebration Thursday night.
Five businesses received recognition from the 54 that were nominated, chosen by a selection committee made up of city councillors, the PoCo BIA and the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.
"We are here to celebrate the achievements of Port Coquitlam businesses and recognize the contribution businesses make to our community," said PoCo Mayor Greg Moore. "Through the celebration, we would like businesses to know that all of you are welcome in Port Coquitlam."
The winners included the Trophy Centre, which received the Super Service Award, while Shawn Lam Video was recognized with the Home-Based Business Award.
Dynamic Structure was given the PoCo Star Award and B&J Auto Parts received the Giving Back Award. Sushi K Kamizato was given the People's Choice Award after receiving more than 650 votes during an online voting period.
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Port Coquitlam has some outstanding businesses and several were feted Thursday, Oct. 17 during the first annual PoCo Best Biz Awards Celebration.
In all, 54 local businesses were nominated for PoCo Best Biz Awards, with winners chosen by a selection committee that included the chair of the city's 2012 Business Development Opportunities Task Force, councillors on the city's Smart Growth Committee, and representatives from the Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association and Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.
Nominees were also entered for a People's Choice Award, which was selected based on public votes.
The event - part of Port Coquitlam's renewed economic development efforts - was held at the PoCo Inn & Suites and included refreshments, entertainment, the awards presentation and opportunities for businesses to network.
"We are here to celebrate the achievements of Port Coquitlam businesses and recognize the contribution businesses make to our community," Mayor Greg Moore said. "Through the celebration, we would like businesses to know that all of you are welcome in Port Coquitlam."
"With so many great businesses nominated, selecting the winners was certainly not an easy task," said Coun. Brad West, who chairs the city's Smart Growth Committee. "It was heartening to receive such a terrific response to the awards and our celebration event - it shows how much our community values our local businesses."
The winners were as follows:
The Trophy Centre: Super Service Award - for businesses that go "above and beyond" to provide outstanding service to its customers. One nominator wrote: "As a PoCo business they have an excellent understanding of local needs and respect for local culture." Others wrote that the company is "helpful with suggestions to meet our needs and budget," and "they care about you and take pride in giving you the best they can. They make buying local worth it!"
Shawn Lam Video: Home-based Business Award - for a home-based business that has demonstrated significant growth, sustainability and excellent customer service. The business has grown from a technology start-up into a global video production company working in locations such as Belgium, England, Mexico, Australia and across North America. Shawn Lam has taught at BCIT, has been recognized for three international video production awards, has written more than 60 published video production articles and product reviews and is a contributing author to two video editing books.
Dynamic Structures: PoCo Star Award - for a business that has drawn positive attention to Port Coquitlam through their business success, innovation or marketing. An anchor for Port Coquitlam's technology sector, Dynamic designs and builds some of the world's largest telescopes and most technically advanced amusement park rides for companies such as Disney and Universal Studios. The company has received world-wide recognition and brought attention to Port Coquitlam for being named "Newsmaker of the Year" and featured on Global TV news, USA Today and the Discovery Network.
B&J Auto Parts: Giving Back Award - for a business that has demonstrated outstanding commitment and contributions to the Port Coquitlam community. Since 1969, B&J Auto Parts has supported the community by sponsoring numerous sports teams. The business has also donated cars, supplies and services to local high school drag racing teams.
sushi K Kamizato: People's Choice Award - for the nominated business receiving the most votes during the public voting period from Oct. 4 to 11. More than 650 votes were cast.
The selection committee chose not to bestow a Living Green Award this year, as none of the nominees met the award criteria: a business that exemplifies environmentally sustainable operations and demonstrates a positive impact on the environment.
All 54 nominees are featured on www.portcoquitlam.ca/bizawards.
