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 award recognizes an individual who lives and volunteers in the community, consistently gives back, and helps make Fernie a great place to live. The recipient demonstrates strong leadership and has resided in Fernie for at least two years.
This award recognizes a not-for-profit organization or community group that contributes to Fernie’s economic, social, and/or cultural well-being. The recipient has an established reputation for delivering high-quality programs or services and demonstrates a strong track record of efficient and effective management.
This award recognizes a business that began operations within the past two years (since August 2024) and is considered a rising leader in its sector. The recipient is innovative and resilient, enhances the regional business base, and may include a business that has opened a new location in town.
Disclaimer: Franchises or existing, established businesses that have only changed ownership or management while continuing to provide substantially the same products or services are not eligible.
This award recognizes a business, organization, or individual that has made a significant impact on Fernie’s tourism industry through marketing, industry or market growth, product development, innovation, or strategic business initiatives.
This award recognizes an individual in a for-profit business who has contributed significantly to its success, held a key role for at least a year, and demonstrated innovation, leadership, ethical standards, and community involvement.
This award honors a business that excels in customer service by providing outstanding experiences and meeting customer needs with dedication and professionalism. Recipients are recognized as leaders in Fernie for their commitment to customer satisfaction, quality service, and staff development.
This award recognizes a business or organization that supports youth (ages 13–21) by providing meaningful employment, training, mentoring, and leadership opportunities, fostering their growth and development in the workplace.
Businesses and organizations nominated in all categories will be on the ballot for People’s Choice award the that the public will vote on in September.
July 15 – August 24 General nominations open until Sunday, August 23 at 11:59 PM
August 26 – September 3 Nominees receive and complete their Nominee Form to be considered for award. (deadline is September 3 at 11:59 PM, Nominee Forms will not be accepted after this time)
August 26 – September 11 People’s Choice Award opens for public voting
September 8 – 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 18 – October 12 Tickets on sale
September 19 Finalists announced
October 15 Fernie Business Excellence Awards Ceremony at Cirque Restaurant and Bar
*see Judging Process for details
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 open: July 15, 2026 to August 23 at 11:59 PM
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.
People’s Choice award: Businesses and organizations nominated in all categories will be on the ballot for People’s Choice award the that the public will vote on in September.
All nominations must meet the following criteria:
– Businesses must have a valid business license (where required).
– Businesses must be Fernie Chamber members in good standing.
– Individuals must be associated with a Fernie Chamber members.
– Located or doing business in the Fernie and Elk Valley region.
– Satisfy the award criteria.
– Provide permission to use their profile/company profile/photo/logo before, during and after the event.
– Business Awards are open to companies, organizations, enterprises, and not-for-profits within the Elk Valley.
– Only individuals will be accepted for the Businessperson of the Year and Citizen of the Year.
– Businesses or organizations must have been in operation for two (2) years with the exception of the New Business of the Year Award.
– Businesses, organizations, and individuals are eligible for nomination in a maximum of two (2) categories.
– 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.
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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
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.
2026 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
With over 120 attendees and visibility across the Chamber’s network of over 300 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 acknowledgement from the event emcee
– Brand exposure across Chamber newsletter, website, and social media leading up to, and following the event
Interested in supporting? Please contact events@ferniechamber.com
