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Fernie Business Excellence Awards presented
The 2023 Fernie Business Excellence Awards were held October 12 at the Best Western Fernie.
It was a sold-out event filled with attendees from the Fernie community keen to find out the results of this year’s winners. The event kicked off with opening remarks from guest speakers City of Fernie Mayor Nic Milligan, Kootenay East MLA Tom Shypitka and Kootenay-Columbia MP Rob Morrison.
Executive Director Wendy McDougall also said a few words noting, “this was personally the most fulfilling and rewarding event to date and solidified why I am so lucky to be in this role. It was a pleasure to get to know your businesses and not-for-profits organizations more intimately by reading all your nomination form responses. In all the responses it was clear Fernie is filled with passionate businesspeople that are constantly stiving to be innovative, inclusive and give back to the community. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the process and to celebrate all of you here tonight.”
The event was then followed by presenting the awards hosted by the hilarious and entertaining MC Sadie Rosgen.
The Fernie Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone who nominated, all the nominees, the finalists, and the award recipients. A special thank you to TC Energy & Surerus Murphy Joint Venture who were the title sponsors, as well as all the other sponsors who made the event possible.
Here is the list of recipients for the 2023 Fernie Business Excellence Awards:
Citizen of the Year – sponsored by the City of Fernie – Anita Palmer.
Community Group of the Year – sponsored by Columbia Basin Trust – Twin Meadows Animal Rescue Centre.
New Business of the Year – sponsored by Fernie Alpine Resort – Wild Wapiti Playschool.
Community Tourism Achievement – sponsored by Tourism Fernie – Tunnel49.
Employer of the Year – sponsored by College of the Rockies – Eldho’s Independent Grocer.
Environmental Sustainability Award – sponsored by Fernie Brewing Company – Community Energy Association.
Businessperson of the Year – sponsored by Claris Media – Dennis Djonlich | Vogue Theatre.
Outstanding Customer Service Award – sponsored by Western Financial Group – Island Lake Lodge.
Business Innovation Award – sponsored by StellerVista Credit Union – Stemhouse Floral Studio.
Chamber Business Legacy Award – sponsored by Peacock Hospitality Group – Mike Delich.
Fernie Business of the Year – sponsored by TC Energy & Surerus Murphy Joint Venture – Edge of the World.
People’s Choice Award – Sponsored by The Fernie Free Press – Fernie Fox Hotel.
Lead image: Former long-time Fernie Mayor Mary Giuliano offered congratulations to Anita Palmer for being chosen Citizen of the Year on social media. “You are an amazing contributor to the community in many ways. Thank you for all your work in making Fernie and area a great place to be. Congratulations; you are most deserving,” she stated. Mary Giuliano photo
Fernie Chamber of Commerce
