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.
The theme for this edition is SPARK & SHINE.
Spark & Shine isn’t just a theme, it’s a call to celebrate what makes Fernie’s business community exceptional. A night to let your brilliance shine, both as individuals and as organizations/ businesses, highlighting innovation, dedication, and success across our local businesses.
With glittering décor, and a festive atmosphere, the 2026 Fernie Business Excellence Awards event is all about recognizing excellence, inspiring ambition, and celebrating success in style.
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.
2025 Timeline for reference – 2026 Timeline to come
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
October 16 Fernie Business Excellence Awards Ceremony at Cirque Restaurant and Bar
*see Judging Process for details
Nomination open: to be announced
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.
Nominations closed!
All nominations must meet the following criteria:
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:
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.
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*:
Interested in supporting the awards? Please contact events@ferniechamber.com
Title Sponsors
Welcome Sponsors
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Awards Sponsors
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In-Kind Sponsors
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