2025 Business Awards - Website Banner (1200 x 225 px) (1)

A celebration of
Fernie's most excellent!

At the Fernie Chamber of Commerce, we acknowledge that local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community groups dedicate their time to growing their businesses, creating jobs, innovating, building community, and making Fernie an excellent place to work, live and play.

Join us in celebrating the enduring strength and unity of individuals and local businesses.

This year’s theme is Rooted Resilience: Growing Stronger Together. 
This theme honours the strength and growth that come from deep community connections. Let’s shine the light on those whose grit, achievements and meaningful contributions to our economy and community are making us more powerful, more connected, and more grounded.
Date: To be announced
Location: To be announced

How It Works

July 16 – August 24  General nominations open until Sunday, August 24 at 11:59 PM

August 27 – September 4   Nominees receive and complete their Nominee Form to be considered for award. (deadline is September 4 at 11:59 PM, Nominee Forms will not be accepted after this time)

August 27 – September 12   People’s Choice Award opens for public voting

September 9 – September 17   Judging process begins by a panel of local judges* for Awards Categories (exceptions: People’s Choice, Citizen of the Year and Chamber Legacy) 

September 19 – October 12 Tickets on sale

September 19   Finalists announced

Mid-October   Awards gala – Location & Date to be announced

*see Judging Process for details

2025 Award Categories:

  • Citizen of the Year
  • Community Group of the Year
  • New Business of the Year
  • Community Tourism Achievement
  • Employer of the Year
  • Environmental Sustainability Award
  • Businessperson of the Year
  • Outstanding Customer Service Award
  • Youth Employer Award
  • Chamber Business Legacy Award
  • Business of the Year – Reserved to Title Sponsor
  • People’s Choice Award

We invite you to nominate the people and businesses who contribute to the strength of our community, those who inspire growth in the people and in Fernie.

Anyone can nominate a business or individual for any award they feel meets the criteria outlined on the online Nomination Survey.

All nominees from each category will be contacted once the nomination period closes and asked to complete a Nominee Form that will be used by the judges to determine the finalists and winners.

Businesses and organizations nominated in all categories will be on the ballot for the People’s Choice award that the public will vote on in September.

Nomination polls are open from July 16 – August 24, at 11:59 PM

The following guidelines are used to maintain a balanced process, ensuring nominees receive a fair chance of becoming a finalist or recipient in their category:

  • A local judging panel is responsible for judging the awards categories:
    • The Fernie Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards judging panel is composed of sponsors, past winners, community partners and Fernie Chamber of Commerce board of directors. This panel is responsible for nine (9) of the annual awards categories;
    • The Chamber Business Legacy and The Citizen of the Year awards are determined by a judging panel comprised of the Fernie Chamber of Commerce board of directors;
    • The People’s Choice award is determined by public vote. 
  • The determination of finalists in each category (exceptions being: Citizen of the Year, Chamber Legacy and People’s Choice) is made solely by the Nominee Form submitted by the nominee.
  • In the case that a judging panel member encounters a conflict of interest, they will no longer be able to contribute to discussions related to that area of conflict.
  • In the case that a board member of the Chamber or a sponsor of the Business Excellence Awards receives a nomination, that company will be assessed fairly, without any favorable bias.

For each award category, the winner cannot have won in the previous year. Individuals who won last year are not eligible to win again in the same category this year.

We believe this is a balanced process, ensuring nominees receive a fair chance of becoming a finalist or recipient in their category by local authentication

Questions related to the judging process can be emailed to events@ferniechamber.com.

Date: To be announced

Location: To be announced

  • 5:30 PM    Doors Open, Social & Drinks
  • 6:30 PM    Dinner is Served
  • 7:00 PM    Welcome & Introduction
  • s7:30 PM    Award Presentations
  • 8:30 PM    Closing Remarks

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

With over 120 attendees and visibility across the Chamber’s network of 280+ members, this is your opportunity to put your brand in the spotlight with the very best in Fernie.

Sponsorship benefits include*:

  • 1 or 2 Tickets to the event
  • Logo placement on event collateral, including signage, programs, and screens
  • Verbal acknowledgment from the event MC
  • Brand exposure across Chamber newsletter, website, and social media leading up to, and following the event

We offer 3 levels of sponsorship to accommodate all goals and budgets: Signature, Award and Supporting

Interested in supporting the awards? Please contact events@ferniechamber.com

Chamber Awards 2024-241 (1)

2024 IMAGE GALLERY

Photo credit: Matt Kuhn | @mkuhnphoto

Awards Archive