Categories

Requirements

Community Support Excellence This award recognizes a socially responsible business and its employees that returns value to the community by supporting sports, recreation, events, arts, charitable and non-profit organizations.  They support these endeavors with personal time and/or resources.  Judging will take into account the relative size of business. *Non Profit organizations are not eligible for this award. *Must be in business for more than 2 years.

This business:

• Has a solid reputation for volunteering within the community.
• Promotes a corporate culture of giving with an emphasis on community investments unrelated to their core mandate.
• Has a long-term desire to build diverse, inclusive, and balanced communities.

NOTE:  The BEA Committee reserves the right to reallocate nominees into the appropriate award category if they are determined to be ineligible in the Community Support Excellence Award category.  

Requirements

Hospitality Excellence Award recognizes the active role of the business in the development of the local hospitality and tourism industry, as well as making the South Okanagan Region a better place to visit.  The definition of hospitality is the friendly, generous reception and entertainment of guests and visitors.  Judging will take into account the relative size of business.  *Non Profit organizations are not eligible for this award.  *Must be in business longer than 2 years 

Businesses that cater to the hospitality/tourism sector include but are not limited to:

• Accommodations (including campgrounds)
• Restaurants & Cafes 
• Adventure & Recreation
• Wineries, Breweries, Cideries, Distilleries
• Attractions, Tour Companies, Family Friendly Activities 

This business:

• Receives positive feedback and reviews through their own and third-party media channels.
• Collaborates with other industry partners to enhance customer experience in a manner that strengthens the vision of Penticton as a preferred destination city.
• Significantly impacts the economic, environmental, social and cultural aspects of their community. 
• Adapts to industry challenges in a positive and creative manner.

NOTE: The BEA Committee reserves the right to reallocate nominees into the appropriate award category if they are determined to be ineligible in the Hospitality Excellence Award category.

Requirements

New Business Award honours a new business that has been operating for less than (3) years as of September 1, 2022.  This business is achieving outstanding business performance in a short period of time and serves as an inspiration for other new businesses.  Judging will take into account the relative size of business.  *Non Profit organizations are not eligible for this award.

This business:

• Demonstrates promise for continued growth.
• Shows entrepreneurial spirit.   
• Demonstrates a connection to the Penticton community. 
• Is working to establish a reputation for integrity and high level of customer service.

NOTE:  The BEA Committee reserves the right to reallocate nominees into the appropriate award category if they are determined to be ineligible in the New Business Award category.

Requirements

Marketing & Communications Award is presented to a business or organization which is innovative in their approach to marketing and promoting their business or service effectively. Judging will take into account the relative size of business.  *Must be in business longer than 2 years 

This Business: 

• Relevant, engaging, and appropriate content for the intended audience.
• Best demonstrated excellence, innovation and originality in traditional and new-media marketing.
• Makes good use of available social media to reach target audience.
• Uses media creatively to tell a story and engage audience.

NOTE:  The BEA Committee reserves the right to reallocate nominees into the appropriate award category if they are determined to be ineligible in the Marketing & Communications Award category.

Requirements

Not-for-Profit Excellence This award is presented to a non-charitable or not-for-profit organization shows excellence in projects, services, and/or events that give back to our community. Their efforts align with their organizational mission and contribute to the social and cultural well-being of their community.  Judging will take into account the relative size of organization.  *Must be incorporated as a society or charitable organization.  *Must be in operation longer than 2 years.

This Organization: 

• Exemplifies excellence in their programs, projects, and partnerships.

• Builds a stronger community.

• Demonstrates leadership and measurable success (as defined by their mandate).

NOTE:  The BEA Committee reserves the right to reallocate nominees into the appropriate award category if they are determined to be ineligible in the Not for Profit Award category.

Requirements

Workplace Culture Excellence This business / organization goes above and beyond creating an inclusive and welcoming environment that successfully reduces barriers for all.  

This organization’s commitment to health and safety, team development and team well-being fosters a loyal and healthy workforce.  Executes best practices in all areas of their operation to ensure maximization of their capabilities and capacity.  Judging will take into account the relative size of business.  *Must be in business longer than 2 years.

This Business:

• Values and provides equal opportunity to all employees regardless of differences (e.g., ability, age, ethnic backgrounds, gender, religion, sexual orientation) to achieve their maximum potential at work without discrimination.
• Promotes mental & physical wellness.
• Demonstrates a commitment to the ongoing education, skills development or professional accreditation of its employees.
• Encourages employees with team development, recognition and reward programs.
• Demonstrates an exceptional commitment to its employees through competitive and equitable employment packages.

NOTE:  The BEA Committee reserves the right to reallocate nominees into the appropriate award category if they are determined to be ineligible in the Workplace Culture Excellence Award category.

Requirements

Young Professional of the Year recognizes a business professional who is successful not only in their business, but also recognize their creativity, community involvement and entrepreneurial spirit. *eligible guidelines, aged 40 years or younger as of September 1, 2022.  *must be in business/management longer than 2 years *self nominations are not accepted for this award - Ask your mentor, or a community leader if you wish to be nominated.

This individual:

• Represents the next generation of business leaders who will play an important role in Penticton’s future growth and prosperity.
• Demonstrates a positive economic and /or social impact on the region.
• Is a positive role model through their active participation in community initiatives.

NOTE:  The BEA Committee reserves the right to reallocate nominees into the appropriate award category if they are determined to be ineligible in the Young Professional of the Year Award category.

Requirements

Business Leader of the Year is presented to a business professional who has demonstrated exceptional success in the ownership or management of a local business through leadership, strategic thinking, balanced workplace values, exemplary customer service, community engagement and pursuit of excellence.  *Must be in business longer than 2 years. *self nominations are not accepted for this award - Ask your mentor, or a community leader if you wish to be nominated.

This Individual:

• Has made an outstanding contribution to the business environment
• Shows excellence in their chosen field, overall business acumen, customer service, community involvement, and leadership
• Provides outstanding leadership attributes (mentoring, customer relations, corporate citizenship, and a commitment to the highest standards of management)
• Inspires others to improve the services and/or quality of life in Penticton.

NOTE:  The BEA Committee reserves the right to reallocate nominees into the appropriate award category if they are determined to be ineligible in the Business Leader of the Year Award category.

Requirements

Business of the Year Award Awarded to a business that has been in business for a minimum of (3) years as of September 1, 2022.  This business has demonstrated outstanding performance in leadership, innovation, management, marketing and customer service. This business not only provides quality product/services, but is an inspiring corporate citizen in our community. Judging will take into account the relative size of business.  *Non-profit organizations are not eligible for this award.  *must be in business longer than 3 years.  

This business:

• Exemplifies a civic community leadership role and demonstrates positive economic, and/or social impact on the region.
• Shows business excellence in overall operations, innovations in service, products, or technology.
• Are leaders in management/employee relations including employee training and development.

NOTE:  The BEA Committee reserves the right to reallocate nominees into the appropriate award category if they are determined to be ineligible in the Business of the Year Award category.