The Sparwood Business Awards took place Thursday (Oct. 20) and nine businesses, organizations and individuals were recognized for their work in 2022.
The event, hosted by the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce, was held in the evening at the Causeway Bay Hotel.
Cami Reghenas, president of the Sparwood Chamber, said they were there to celebrate business.
“We have a fabulous business community,” she said.
“They don’t get enough recognition, so we put this event on so that the community sees what our businesses do and has the opportunity to recognize the great things that they do and their great customer service.”
Nine awards were announced out of a pool of 137 nominations. The winners are as follows.
The Outstanding Customer Service Award went to Nails By Amy. The other finalists in that category were Sparwood Chiropractic and Wellness and Moulton Designs.
The Community Youth Award went to Ethan Dortman, the owner of Ethan’s Walking Sticks. The other individuals nominated in the category were Neveah Kerkhoven and Macey Hutchinson.
The Not For Profit Award went to the Sparwood Food Bank. The other finalists in the category were Twin Meadows Animal Rescue and the Sparwood Trails Alliance.
The Industrial Business Award went to NAPA Auto Parts. The other finalists in the category were FR Rentals, Komatsu, and Elevation Mechanical.
The Retail Business Award went to Buds and Blooms, with the other finalists in the category being Sparwood Chiropractic and Wellness and Moonlight Flowers and Boutique.
The Community Spirit Award went to Joanne Wilton of the Causeway Bay Hotel. The other finalists in the category were Marcia Johnson and the Sparwood Trails Alliance.
The New Business Award went to Crumbs Bar and Grill, alongside other finalists Marina Wolff Chocolatier and Elk Valley Cannabis.
The Business Scarecrow Award went to Sparwood Dental, with the other finalists in the category being Sparwood Chiropractic and Wellness and Save On Foods.
The Citizen of the Year Award went to Edie Holland, alongside other finalists Calvin Domin and Jesse Seiler.
Thursday’s event was the first one held in person since 2019 due to the pandemic.
Reghenas said it was their first year holding it in the Causeway Bay Hotel. They used to hold the event in the Chamber building, but they have outgrown that space, she said.
“I think there’s just more and more people coming out to support the people who have been nominated.”
Tammy Ogden, vice-president of the Sparwood Chamber, said she thinks COVID hurt a lot of businesses, but that those who were able to survive are far stronger because of it.
“It also made communities and residents understand the importance of local business,” she said.
Reghenas said “Thank you to our sponsors, thank you to the Causeway for hosting us, thank you to John Baher for creating our awards.”
READ MORE: Sparwood businesses, individuals honoured
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