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.

The 2023 Fernie Business Excellence Awards is a time to celebrate these accomplishments and those that have contribute in a meaningful way to our local economy, community, and social wellbeing.

Please join us in recognizing these businesses, organizations, and local legends by taking part in our online nomination survey. In order to be up for nomination, the business must be a Fernie Chamber member in good standing. Following the nomination survey period, nominees will be contacted to complete a nominee form which will be used by a panel of local judges to determine this year’s winners!

 

Join us on Thursday, October 12th at the Best Western Fernie where the winners will be announced.  This will be an evening of good times, good food, and good company!

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Mike Delich 1
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Congratulations to the
2023 Award Recipients & Finalists

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR | Sponsored by The City of Fernie

Anita Palmer

 

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR | Sponsored by Columbia Basin Trust

  • Elk Valley Dolphins Swim Club
  • Fernie Pride Society
  • Twin Meadows Animal Rescue Society (winner)

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR | Sponsored by Fernie Alpine Resort

  • Wild Wapiti Playschool (winner)
  • Tunnel49
  • Stemhouse Floral Studio

COMMUNITY TOURISM ACHIEVEMENT | Sponsored by Tourism Fernie

  • AmbassadorWILD
  • Tunnel49 (winner)
  • Fernie Trails Alliance

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR | Sponsored by College of the Rockies

  • College of the Rockies
  • Eldho’s Independent Grocer (winner)
  • Fernie Fox Hotel

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY | Sponsored by Fernie Brewing Company

  • Community Energy Association (winner)
  • Wapiti Music Festival
  • Fernie Fox Hotel

BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR | Sponsored by Claris Media

  • Jeff Johnson – Ski Base
  • Megan Lohmann – Community Energy Association
  • Dennis Djonlich – Vogue Theatre (winner)

OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE | Sponsored by Western Financial Group

  • Barkside Pets
  • Fernie Heritage Library
  • Island Lake Lodge (winner)

BUSINESS INNOVATION AWARD | Sponsored by StellarVista Credit Union

  • Fernie Brewing Company
  • Stemhouse Floral Studio (winner)
  • GearHub Sports

CHAMBER BUSINESS LEGACY AWARD | Sponsored by Peacock Hospitality Group

Mike Delich

 

FERNIE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR | Sponsored by TC Energy & Surerus Murphy Joint Venture

  • Edge of the World (winner)
  • Fernie Brewing Company
  • Ski Base

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD | Sponsored by The Fernie Free Press

Fernie Fox Hotel

How It All Works

Timeline

August 1 – 17   General nominations open until Thursday, August 17 at 11:59pm

August 22 – 31 extended to September 5   Nominees receive and complete their Nominee Form to be considered for award. (deadline is 11:59 PM, Nominee Forms will not be accepted after this time)

September 5 – 29   Tickets on sale

September 6 – 21   People’s Choice Award opens for public voting

September 6 – 15   Judging process begins by a panel of local judges* for Awards Categories (exceptions: People’s Choice, Citizen of the Year and Chamber Legacy) 

September 21   Finalists announced

October 12   Awards gala at the Best Western Fernie

*see Judging Process for details

Nominations

Nominations are now closed

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 (August 17 at 11:59pm) and asked to complete a Nominee Form that will be used by the judges to determine the finalists and winners.

NEW for 2023: The Fernie Chamber has brought the judging process back to a panel of local judges comprised of: sponsors, past winners, community partners and Fernie Chamber of Commerce board of directors. 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. 

Exceptions to this process are Citizen of the Year and the Chamber Legacy Award – which will be judged by the Fernie Chamber board of directors.

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.

 

Nominate Now!

Judging Process

 

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 judging panel is responsible for judging the awards categories:
    • The Fernie Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards judging panel is made up 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.

 

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

Awards Gala

Thursday, October 12

Best Western Fernie

 

Tickets on sale September 1 – 29.

Sponsorship Opportunities

 

Sponsorship opportunities available!

  • Chamber Business Legacy Award – sponsorship available
  • Environmental Sustainability Award – sponsorship available

Please contact events@ferniechamber.com to take advantage of these opportunities

2023 Award Categories

Citizen of the Year

Sponsored by The City of Fernie

This award recognizes an individual who: lives and volunteers in the community continually gives back to the community helps make Fernie a great place to live has demonstrated leadership abilities Nominee must have resided in Fernie for at least 2 years.

Include the name of the individual and your reasoning for this nomination.

Community Group of the Year

Sponsored by Columbia Basin Trust

This award recognizes the accomplishments of those organizations in the not-for-profit sector which contribute to the economic, social, and/ or cultural well‐being of Fernie. The organization must have an established reputation for delivering a high level of programs and/ or services as well as a track record of efficient and effective management. Nominees are a not-for-profit organization or community group.

New Business of the Year

Sponsored by Fernie Alpine Resort

Business considered a rising leader in their sector (manufacturing, retail, community service, health & wellness, home-based, food & beverage etc.). This business is innovative, resilient and enhances the business base in our region.

Nominee must have started operations within the last two (2) years.

Nominee must be a Fernie Chamber of Commerce member in good standing.

Community Tourism Achievement

Sponsored by Tourism Fernie

This award recognizes a business, organization or individual(s) that has notably contributed to the success of Fernie’s tourism industry within areas of marketing, industry development/growth, product development, market development/growth, innovation, entrepreneurship or strategic business growth.

Nominee must be a Fernie Chamber of Commerce member in good standing.

Employer of the Year

Sponsored by College of the Rockies – Fernie

Exceptional commitment to its employees demonstrated through job creation, training and support, recognition and rewards, employee health and wellness and professional development. Business shows commitment to inclusion in the work place.

Nominee must be a Fernie Chamber of Commerce member in good standing.

Environmental Sustainability Award

Sponsored by Fernie Brewing Company

Recognizes a business that exemplifies leadership and commitment to sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility.
Community leadership in establishing measurable sustainability initiatives or standards.
The recipient of the Environmental Sustainability Award should enhance our natural environment for healthy living and economic vibrancy within Fernie.

 

Nominee must be a Fernie Chamber of Commerce member in good standing.

Businessperson of the Year

Sponsored by Claris Media

Recognizes an individual working for a for-profit business who has significantly contributed to the success of that business, has demonstrated good business standards and ethics, demonstrated innovation and leadership, and community involvement.
To be eligible for the Award, the for-profit business person must have held a key position within the business for at least one (1) year. The award winner does not have to be the business owner.

 

Nominee must be a Fernie Chamber of Commerce member in good standing.

Outstanding Customer Service

Sponsored by Western Financial Group

Award recognizes customer service excellence by a business that gives the customer an experience;
a business that has demonstrated a strong dedication to customer satisfaction, customer service or development of an outstanding product.
Putting staff through the Fernie Ambassador Program is considered an asset

 

Nominee must be a Fernie Chamber of Commerce member in good standing.

Business Innovation Award

Sponsored by StellarVista Credit Union

Business has created or adopted innovative concepts, methods, products. Business has shown ability to adapt and change with the times and displayed their resiliency and is creative and forward thinking.

 

Nominee must be a Fernie Chamber of Commerce member in good standing.

Chamber Business Legacy

Sponsored by Peacock Hospitality

Award recognizes a business whose efforts have accomplished extraordinary things that have benefited Fernie and area in unique and meaningful ways. A business that is an inspiration and role model for the community. (Can be awarded posthumously).
 A business that contributes to the social, recreational, cultural, and overall well-being of the community.
Nominee must have been in business for over ten years.
Nominee must be a Fernie Chamber of Commerce member in good standing.  

Fernie Business of the Year

Sponsored by TC Energy & Surerus Murphy Joint Ventures

Business operations demonstrate a positive impact in the community. Business models diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in business decision making as well as demonstrates leadership within the community.
The businesses should demonstrate true business excellence in overall operations, including customer service, business standards and ethics, employee relations, marketing, innovation, innovation and community contribution. This well rounded recipient is regarded as an industry leader with a strong reputation for their business success.
Nominee must be a Fernie Chamber Member in good standing.

People's Choice

Sponsored by The Fernie Free Press

All nominees are eligible for the People’s Choice award.
Winner is selected through public voting.Nominee must be a Fernie Chamber Member in good standing.

Voting closes Thursday, September 21,

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Title Sponsors

Welcome Host Sponsors

Awards Sponsors

Awards Archive

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