The Fernie Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 2016 Fernie Business Excellence finalists. There were 221 nominations representing 91 unique entries. Those entries have been judged by a volunteer panel of business people from Golden to Toronto. “This has been a fun process, as the judges send me their rankings they are all commenting on the exciting businesses and the great community investment being made by local enterprises,” says Patty Vadnais, Executive Director of Fernie Chamber of Commerce.

And the finalist are:
Spirit of Fernie
Fernie Heritage Library
Outdoor Connections
Stag Leap

Community Tourism Achievement
Fernie Brewing Co
Fernie RV Resort
Mountain High Adventures

Outstanding Customer Service
Crumbs Cakery and Café
Fernie Super 8
Three Sisters Day Spa

New Business of the Year
Coal Town Goods
Kettle Black Bartending
Lilac Media

Entrepreneur of the Year
Essential Yoga Studio – Francesca ter Poorten
Lance Edwards
Marsha Churchill

Team of the Year
Build Train
Fernie Alpine Resort – Adventure Centre at the Fernie RV Park
Mow and Snow – Landscape Team

Employer of the Year
Ann’s Your Independent Grocer
Fernie Super 8
Mow and Snow

Fernie Business of the Year
Isosceles Business Systems
Mine Films
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Chamber Business Excellence
Capasiti Consulting
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Spa 901

Community Leadership Award
Fernie Brewing Co.
Home Hardware
Spa 901

Don’t see your favourite on the finalist list? There is still a chance to get them an award. The People’s Choice Award has online voting until October 11. Vote HERE.

Congratulations to the many businesses that were nominated and that have been selected as finalists. “This finalist list is really a small sample of the amazing and diverse businesses we have in Fernie,” states Sheila Byers, Chamber Board President, “good luck to all the finalists and we look forward to celebrating with you at the VIP Reception and Awards Gala.” The VIP Reception for all finalists is on October 13, 7-9 at the Park Place Lodge. This reception is a chance for the finalists to come together and celebrate before the Awards Gala.

The Awards Gala will be held October 21 at 5:30PM. Guests will hear from Kelsey Ramsden, female entrepreneur of the year 2013 and 2014. Ramsden will share insight on risk, opportunity and being a disruptor. Ramsden has founded residential construction companies and SparkPlay. Tickets for the Awards Gala are available by calling the Chamber or online at ferniechamber.com. We invite you to attend this great evening celebrating the best in Fernie Business.