The Fernie Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the finalists for this year’s Fernie Business Excellence Awards. There were close to 100 business and organization nominations cast for the awards this year which is an amazing testament to how much local businesses are valued by the community.
Wendy McDougall, Executive Director of the Fernie Chamber, comments, “This is my first Business Excellence Awards as the Fernie Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, and I am blown away but the extraordinary participation, support and involvement of the business and not-for-profit community in this event. We certainly have a lot to celebrate as Fernie continues to grow, evolve and adapt to the changing economy. Fernie is such a resilient community, it was a real treat to read and hear how businesses and innovating, becoming more sustainable and giving back to the community. On behalf of the Fernie Chamber, I want to sincerely congratulate all nominees and finalists.”
Businesses that were nominated were asked to complete a Nominee Form that was then reviewed by an independent panel of judges from the Fernie area. The panel of judges have determined the three finalists (see below) as well as the winners – which will be announced on Thursday, October 12 at the awards gala event at the Best Western Fernie. The exceptions to this were the People’s Choice Award, the Chamber Legacy Award, and the Citizen of the Year. Any business or organization that was nominated for an award was in the running for the People’s Choice Award and voting is closed with over 700 votes cast. The Chamber Legacy Award and the Citizen of the Year were selected by the Fernie Chamber of Commerce board of directors and will be announced at the awards event.
Community Group of the Year | Sponsored by Columbia Basin Trust
• Elk Valley Dolphins Swim Club
• Fernie Pride Society
• Twin Meadows Animal Rescue Society
New Business of the Year | Sponsored by Fernie Alpine Resort
• Wild Wapiti Playschool
• Tunnel49
• Stemhouse Floral Studio
Community Tourism Achievement | Sponsored by Tourism Fernie
• AmbassadorWILD
• Tunnel49
• Fernie Trails Alliance
Employer of the Year | Sponsored by College of the Rockies
• College of the Rockies
• Eldho’s Independent Grocer
• Fernie Fox Hotel
Environmental Sustainability Award | Sponsored by Fernie Brewing Company
• Community Energy Association
• Wapiti Music Festival
• Fernie Fox Hotel
Businessperson of the Year | Sponsored by Claris Media
• Jeff Johnson – Ski Base
• Megan Lohmann – Community Energy Association
• Dennis Djonlich – Vogue Theatre
Outstanding Customer Service Award | Sponsored by Western Financial Group
• Barkside Pets
• Fernie Heritage Library
• Island Lake Lodge
Business Innovation Award | Sponsored by StellarVista Credit Union
• Fernie Brewing Company
• Stemhouse Floral Studio
• GearHub Sports
Fernie Business of the Year | Sponsored by TC Energy & Surerus Murphy
• Edge of the World
• Fernie Brewing Company
• Ski Base
Congratulations to the Finalists and best of luck at the Business Excellence Awards Banquet. See the Awards Banquet event details here.
