Innovation, advocacy and leadership.
These are some of the terms used by Port Moody Mayor Meghan Lahti to describe the city's business community of this past year.
She hopes the public can show appreciation for local businesses at the 2023 Spike Awards as the nomination period for the annual honours that celebrate commitment to community opened on Wednesday (Aug. 9).
"Their remarkable efforts contribute to Port Moody's livability year-round, and this is our chance to celebrate their achievements and the positive difference they make in the lives of our residents and visitors," said Lahti in a statement.
"Please take a few minutes to go online and nominate the businesses that have made a lasting impression on you."
Young Entrepreneur Sales Academy (YESA) Acquisitions took home the golden railroad spike for business of the year in 2022.
The Suter Brook Village consulting firm educates young people entering the world of corporate sales with the tools and training they need, and to partner or start their own business.
This year, entrepreneurs and their employees are encouraged to self-nominate their enterprise for the 2023 business of the year award.
The other five honours, along with last year's winners, are as follows (in alphabetical order by category):
- Arts in Business
- PoMoArts (2022)
- Celebrates a business or organization that has significantly contributed to Port Moody’s arts community through innovative programs or partnerships, arts integration, arts advocacy, employee engagement and/or philanthropy
- Environmental Leadership
- Tru Earth Environmental Products (2022)
- Recognizes a Port Moody business or organization that excels in environmental efforts such as waste and resource reduction, energy efficiency improvements, and greenhouse gas reductions and fosters green jobs, services and products by demonstrating successful pathways for others to follow
- Inclusive Excellence
- Revive Hair & Body Lounge (2022)
- Celebrates a Port Moody business or organization that has successful initiatives to create a more diverse workplace for people of all backgrounds
- New Business
- Kaffi (2022)
- Recognizes a business operating in Port Moody for more than one year and less than three years that has enjoyed business success, has a clear vision for the future and demonstrates excellence in management, service and integrity
- Young Entrepreneur
- Adina Diaconu - WESTPRO Physiotherapy (2022)
- Celebrates an entrepreneur 35 years old or younger who has a business in Port Moody and exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, business success and commitment to the community
The deadline is Oct. 4 to nominate a business or businessperson for the Spike Awards. Winners will be chosen by the city's economic, development and tourism committee.
For more information and to submit an online nomination, you can visit the City of Port Moody's website.
You can also fill out a paper copy by picking up a form at city hall — located at 100 Newport Dr.
The winners will chosen by Port Moody's economic development committee and will be unveiled during a gala event currently scheduled for Nov. 30 during B.C. Buy Local Week.
