By Erin Knutson

Cranbrook celebrated an evening of local achievement to honour the best and brightest in business and non-profit organizations.

Guests, dignitaries, nominees, presenters, hosts and winners enjoyed a night to remember at Key City Theatre (October 24).

Hosts Jason Wheeldon and Lauren Rokosh took to the stage, introducing Kootenay-Columbia MP Rob Morrison, MLA for Kootenay-Rockies Pete Davis, and Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Price, who gave heartfelt speeches on the merits of the community and its businesses, the economy, the current political situation with the US and to congratulate all the nominees and winners as a kick off to the awards ceremony.

“We’ve been working with senior government the past two years, there have been dozens of meetings and lots of times we walk away with very little but they know who we are and we continue to chat with them – I think we have to be connected on every level of government and right now with our committee and the chamber and that is something we’re focused on. To all of the nominees, congratulations for being here tonight, and you should be incredibly proud of your achievements,” said Price.

A tribute to Bob Whetham, the recipient of the 2025 Citizen of the Year Award and past Chair of the Cranbrook Archives, Museum and Landmark Society, who passed recently, was presented by Cranbrook Chamber President Keri Sanderman and Chamber Vice President Travis-Dean Bradley, who accepted in his honour.

Followed by the Cranbrook Chamber Education Grants, which were accepted by winners Ashley Mainville and Kayte Wik.

The Business Legacy Award was presented by Sanderman to Paul Jovanovic for the Kootenay Tailor Shop.

Pattison Media sponsored New Business of the Year, presented by Nadine Walker-Perry, to Out of the Woods Home Inspection.

Stephanie Wells presented the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, sponsored by College of the Rockies, to Emily Popoff for Talking Helps Heal Kootenays.

Ground Floor Working Coworking Space won Inclusive Employer of the Year, sponsored by Kootenay Employment Services, NEXUS Community Support Society, and REALM Services Inc., which was presented by Bryce Johnson(REALM) and Harleen Kaur (KES).

Age-Friendly Business of the Year went to Kootenay Ramps & Access, as presented by Landon Elliot and sponsored by Golden Life.

Cranbrook Arts received the Arts & Culture Excellence award, sponsored by Rella Paolini Rogers and presented by Bradley.

Meraki Mechanical received the Customer Service Excellence award, sponsored by Fortis BC.

Presenter Aleitha Harvey of Ella’s, which sponsored the Culinary Excellence Award, went to The Baker 89.

Cranbrook Golf was awarded Tourism Excellence, presented by Sven Sloeserwij and sponsored by Visit Cranbrook.

Huckleberry Books took Retail Excellence, which was sponsored by Hush Home Furnishings and presented by Bradley.

Shannon Murphy presented Professional Service Excellence to Silver Path Financial Solutions, which Cranbrook Pest Control sponsored.

Business to Business Excellence went to StratIS Group, which was sponsored by IG Wealth Management and presented by Mike Paugh.

The Studio Spin Barre Yoga Ltd. won Business of the Year (1-15 employees), which was sponsored by Genex Marketing and presented by Kirsten Armleder.

St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino sponsored the Business of the Year (16+ Employees), which was accepted by Apex Accounting and presented by Sandra van Steijn.

Finally, last but not least, Ted Murrell from Save-On-Foods accepted the Business Person of the Year, which was presented by Alisha Trozzo and sponsored by 107.5 2Day FM Vista Radio.

Murrell (right) concluded the evening with an inspiring speech about his work and the community’s resilience. Congratulating all 15 outstanding award recipients, nominees and everyone in Cranbrook for their contributions to another successful year in business.

“What began in 1991 as a singular customer service award has blossomed into a comprehensive recognition of excellence throughout the community, spotlighting the hard work and dedication of local businesses,” said Chamber staff.

Lead image: Cranbrook Chamber President Keri Sanderman and Chamber Vice President Travis-Dean Bradley present a tribute to Bob Whetham, the recipient of the 2025 Citizen of the Year Award and past Chair of the Cranbrook Archives, Museum and Landmark Society, Erin Knutson photos

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